Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line was held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell…

The 10 most recent deceased SOA members are shown
at the top of the page.
Non-Members who have passed are listed below these.

Bernard W. Newman, SOA #2017,
MSG, USA (Ret), died on November 29th, 2015. Born in Massachusetts on
December 15, 1932, MSG Newman attended school in New Haven, Connecticut
and entered Military service in 1950. Sergeant Newman served with B-36,
Project Rapid Fire and as the Team Sergeant on A- 361. He retired from
military service in 1972 and attended Rollins College, graduating with a
Bachelor of Arts Degree. Amongst his many Military Awards Bernie is the
recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Silver
Star, First Oak Leaf Cluster; Bronze Star 'V,' First Silver Cluster,
Army Commendation 'V,' First Silver Cluster, Two Oak Leaf Clusters,
Purple Heart, Second Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Medal, Second Oak
Leaf Cluster. A Life member of the SFA, M-3748, as well as the SOA
Bernie was well respected and loyal to those he served with and those
friends he made along his way and within both associations. All who knew
him will miss Bernie
Earle Leslie Petty, Jr., SOA #159, passed away Sept. 22,
2015. He entered the U.S. Army at age 16 in 1953. During his career, he
went to Germany, as well as served three tours of duty in Vietnam and
Laos. Earle joined the elite group of Special Forces in 1965. He
attended Ranger school and U.S. Navy school. Only 12 Special Forces
members were chosen to attend the elite Seal training. Earle also
attended Halo training at Ft. Bragg, NC, and graduated in the 82nd
Airborne Division. He was stationed both at Ft. Benning, GA, and Ft.
Bragg during his Army career. Earle also was deployed to Cuba during the
Cuban Crisis. He wore his Green Beret (motto of Special Forces) proudly,
his love for his country was beyond first and foremost in his life.
Entering the military at such a young age, he later pursued his
education and obtained his Bachelors degree. Earle was awarded the Army
Commendation Medal, three Purple Hearts due to injuries in Vietnam,
three Bronze stars with oak leaf clusters for valor and was also awarded
the Vietnamese Cross of Gallentry. He served under the Commands of
General William Westmoreland and General Yarborough. Earle retired from
the Army in September of 1973, being awarded the Meritorious Service
Medal. He also attended the U.S. Army Intelligence School at Ft.
Holabird, MD. Upon early retirement, he went to work for the Melbourne
Police Department under Chief Croton. Upon leaving Melbourne P.D. he
went to work for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff
Jake Miller, as Jail Commander. Earle left the Sheriff’s Department in
1994 to take the Police Chief position in Sebastian, FL. In 1996, he was
contacted by the United Nations to head the International Police Task
Force in Bosnia. He worked with the state department to assemble a group
of 200 police officers from around the world to train Bosnian police
officers. In 1993, Earle underwent emergency heart surgery at Holmes
Regional Medical Center. One year later, he won several gold medals at
the International Law Enforcement Olympics in cycling. He was a very
accomplished cyclist. After Earle’s return from Bosnia, he went back to
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Phil Williams. He stayed
on with the Sheriff’s Department, retiring as South Precinct Commander
in 2005. Earle always said it was an honor and privilege to serve his
country and wear the Green Beret. He was a lifetime member of the John
Wayne Chapter 21 Special Forces Association of Merritt Island, FL and
was also a member of the Florida Police Chief’s Association. Earle was
born in Gross Pointe Farms, MI, to Earle & Beverlee Petty on February
13, 1936. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, of 58 years who he loved
and respected dearly. He also leaves his sons, Steven (Susan) Petty,
Earle L. (Crystell) Petty III, and daughter, Lisa Oas, brother Walter S.
(Mary) Petty, II, sisters Tommy Lu Conlogue and Sandra (Dale) Kile.
Earle has six grandchildren, Brock, Bailey, Kaytlin, Wyatt, Garrett, and
Chelsea, and two great grandchildren, Kirra and Tristan. He is
predeceased by his parents, daughter, Leslie Jean Petty, grandmother,
Mae Carson Vigneault, and uncle, Francis W. Vigneault. Earle’s
granddaughter, Bailey Alexander, has made him so proud by obtaining her
degree in Psychology at the University of Alabama. He was an avid Bama
fan. Funeral Information: Visitation will be Thursday, September 24,
2015 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral
Care, 1001 South Hickory Street, Melbourne. His funeral service will be
Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 3:00 pm at Holy Trinity Episcopal
Academy’s Scott Center, 5625 Holy Trinity Drive, Melbourne. Donations
Information: n Lieu of flowers please consider donations to Hospice of
Health First, 1900 Dairy Road, West Melbourne, 32904.
James Yu-b, SOA #2375, Special Forces, passed away on
the 3rd of September 2015 at the Swedish Medical Center in Edmonds,
Washington. He had been under the care of Hospice. Yu-B was born on the
1st of January 1952 in South Vietnam. He was a member of the Sedang
Group of the Montagnards. His Special Forces Assignments began in 1966
with 5th Special Forces Group. He was assigned to Co B, Hatchet Force.
In 1969 he transferred to CCC, MACV-SOG at Kontum and was assigned to RT
Vermont. CSM Franklin D Miller was the Team Leader and SSG at the time.
Note: CSM Miller was awarded the Medal of Honor for an action RT Vermont
had participated in. When MACV-SOG was deactivated, Yu-B was sent to
Saigon and worked for the Special Mission Force. With the fall of Saigon
he was resettled to Bellevue, Washington, under the auspices of the
International Rescue Committee on 30 May 1975. Yu-B was awarded a
Certificate of Achievement for Meritorious Service in 1972 from the US
Army Vietnam, and the US Army Presidential Unit Citation MACV-SOG 1964 –
1972. He was respected and admired by all that he came in contact with.
Yu-B was a proud member of Chapter 43, Special Forces Association. He is
survived by his first wife, Thu Ha and three daughters: Anne, Amy and
Lan and one son, Thai; and current wife, Duyen Le, and son Chien.
James (Jimmy) Steele, SOA #1867, passed away July 19,
2015 in the Orlando, Florida VA Community Living Center after a long
illness. He was born March 26, 1935 on Taboga Island, Republic of
Panama. Jimmy served in Korea, 3 tours in Vietnam, and multiple tours
throughout Central and South America. He joined the Army in 1953 and
trained at Ft. Campbell and Ft. Benning. He was assigned to the 11th
Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat
Team in Bappo, Japan, and the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell.
In 1962 he began training with the Green Berets 5th Special Forces Group
in Ft. Bragg and served in Vietnam in 1963 and 1964. In 1966 he returned
to his home in Panama assigned to the 8th Special Forces Group in Ft.
Gulick, Canal Zone, Panama. He taught jungle warfare training and at the
School of the America’s. In 1969 Jimmy completed his 3rd tour of Vietnam
where he was in the Special Ops Group/Delta. During his career he was
awarded 5 Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Master
Parachutist Wings. He is survived by his loving family: his wife
Shirley, his daughter Suzanne, his granddaughter Erin, his brother
Samuel S. Steele, and many loving nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and
cousins. A Celebration of Life was held at the Stonecrest Community
Center on August 10th.

Grant “Bo” Bollenbach SOA #3185, MSG (Ret), passed away
on 15 July 2015, at 1402 hrs after a brief struggle with cancer. He died
at local hospital in Angeles City, Republic of the Philippines
surrounded by family and friends.
William Leon Shelton, SOA #890, LTC, USA (Ret), 77, of
Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on May 18, 2015. William was born in
Evansville, Indiana to Raymond and Kathren Shelton. William retired from
the United States Army. He married his wife Sangchan and they enjoyed 41
years together. They were blessed with two sons Robert and Scott. A
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 5:00PM at
Palm Northwest Mortuary, 6701 N Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131.
James M. Buton, SOA #2234, COL, USA (Ret), 70, died on
28 April, 2015, after a long struggle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
(ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, at a hospice in Savannah, GA. He was a
charter member of the Special Forces Branch. He served with the 7th and
5th SFG’s commanding at the ODA, Company and Battalion levels. He served
in Vietnam as an adviser to the 52nd Vietnamese Ranger Battalion.

Don F. Murphy, SOA #790, 78, of Parklawn Court,
Hopkinsville, KY died at 1:12 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at St. Thomas
Hospital in Nashville of natural causes. Graveside services were held at
10:00 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2015 at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West and
conducted by Rev. Nathan C. Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be Art
Garcia, Wendell Green, Gerald Nix, Ron Davidson, Tony Rucci, Judd
Haverkost, Joe Carr and Steve Stone. A native of West Chester,
Pennsylvania, he was born February 16, 1937 son of the late Clifford W.
Murphy and Pauline Huber Murphy. A military retiree, Don was a Vietnam
veteran and served with the U.S. Army Special Forces and was awarded the
Silver Star. He was retired from Civil Service at Fort Campbell ,
Kentucky . He was a member of First Christian Church and a former troop
leader of Boy Scout Troop 13. He was a life member of the Special
Operations Association, the Special Forces Association, the 82nd
Airborne Division Association, and V.F.W. Post 1913. Survivors include
his wife of 55 years, Linda Ringe Murphy, two sons; Daniel Murphy, Port
Royal, TN and Mark Murphy, Hopkinsville, and a sister, Jean Murphy
Laughner of Midwest City, OK.
Richard “Jim” Laritz, SOA #1301, 81, passed away on 20
April, 2015, in Boise, ID. Jim enlisted in the Army in 1951 and served
in combat in Korea earning several valorous awards. After Korea he
volunteered for the newly formed 10th Special Forces Group and served
with the 10th and 77th SFG’s until 1957. He went to Officer Candidate
School in 1959 and returned to the 10th Special Forces Group, Detachment
A, Berlin Brigade. In 1963 he joined the 5th SFG and went to Vietnam
until 1966. He served with the JCRC in Thailand from 1970 to 1973. He
was an advisor to the 19th SFG in Salt Lake City from 1979 to 1983. He
had served 40 years when he retired in 1990. He held numerous awards and
decorations including several Purple Hearts. He was awarded the Combat
Infantryman’s Badge with Star, Ranger Tab and Army Aviator Wings. He
retired to Idaho to be closer with his family. He purchased some land on
the Snake River where he worked full time building ponds, planting trees
and cultivating a beautiful oasis. He is survived by his wife, Kathy;
sons, Rick, Brian and Kish; daughters, Kathrin, Patricia and Rochelle.
He is also survived by 17 grandchildren.
Robert Jay Tessier, SOA #2983, Born May 2, 1938 in
Tacoma and left us unexpectedly on April 8, 2015. Bob grew up in
Lakewood, WA, graduating from Clover Park HS. Bob served in the military
as a Helicopter Pilot while serving in Vietnam. He loved the Pacific
Northwest and had a passion for the outdoors. He was the happiest on the
water be it on the ocean, the bay or with his friends trading fishing
stories. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Donna; daughter, Diahn;
son, Ron; grandchildren, Tafton and Avery; and sister Lynn.

It is with deep regrets,
that the SOA Board of Officers announces to the membership this
continued list of Members who have passed away:

Bill Miller, SOA #1276, passed away in Florida on the morning of March 22,
2015. A burial at Arlington Cemetery is planned but not yet scheduled.
More information will be released as it becomes available.

Arthur T. Fields, Jr., SOA #310, CPT, USA (Ret), 83,
Passed Away Friday, March 06, 2015 in WJB Veterans Hospital in Columbia,
SC. CPT Fields was born in Cumberland County, NC on March 17, 1931 to
the late Arthur T. Fields Sr. and Margaret Hickman Fields. He retired
from the US Army Special Forces in 1973 and served in the Korean and
Vietnam Wars. CPT Fields was a great American and loved the US Army.
After Retirement he went to work for the Veterans Administration in
Shreveport, LA. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Special
Forces Association, US Army Association and Officers Club. He loved to
work in the yard, gardening and loved Spider Solitaire. CPT Fields will
be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. His awards and
decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (2OLC), Purple
Heart (2OLC), Air Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (2OLC),
Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Good Conduct Medal w/5 Bronze Loops,
Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal (OLC), Armed
Forces Expeditionary Medal w/2Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service Medal, RVN
Gallantry Cross w/Palm RVN Campaign Medal, Vietnam Advisory Campaign
Ribbon, Vietnam Defense Campaign Ribbon, Vietnam Counteroffensive
Campaign Ribbon, Vietnam Staff Service Medal (First Class), Vietnam
Medal of Honor for Military Merit (Second Class), RVN Armed Forces Honor
Medal (Second Class), Korean Service Medal w/4Bronze Service Stars,
United Nations Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of
Korea War Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation (2OLC), Army
Valorous Citation, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation (OLC), Republic of
Korea Presidential Unit Citation, RVN Presidential Unit Citation , RVN
Gallantry Cross w/Palm Unit (2nd Award), RVN Civic Action Honor Medal
(First Class), Combat Infantry Badge (2nd Award), Combat Scuba Diver
Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Sharpshooter Badge w/Pistol Bar, Expert
Badge w/Rifle Bar M-1, Expert Badge w/Rifle Bar M-14 and Expert Badge
w/Rifle Bar M-16. He is survived by his sons, Randy Fields (Dana) of
Swansea, SC and George Michael Fields (Margaret) of Arkansas; 3
grandchildren, Gabriela Fields, Nathan Fields and Arthur Fields III.
Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be 2:00 PM, Thursday,
March 12, 2015 at Cumberland Memorial Gardens.

Charles G. Erickson, SOA #1954,
Command SergeantMajor, USA (Ret),
passed away on February 4, 2015. Charles Erickson was born on January
13, 1947, in Nebraska. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 18,
1967, and completed basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, in November
1967. He then attended Medical Corpsman training at Fort Sam Houston,
Texas, from November 1967 to February 1968, Airborne School from
February to March 1968 at Fort Benning, Georgia, and then Special Forces
training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from March to August 1968. Sgt
Erickson next completed U.S. Army Intelligence School at Fort Holabird,
Maryland, followed by service as a light weapons leader and
reconnaissance team leader with 5th Special Forces Group in South
Vietnam from January 1969 to January 1970. His next assignment was as a
light weapons leader with Company B, 7th Special Forces Group at Fort
Bragg from March 1970 to March 1973, and during this time he served on
Action Element 2 with Blueboy Assault Group during the Son Tay Raid, a
clandestine mission to rescue American Prisoners of War in North Vietnam
on November 21, 1970. SFC Erickson next attended Spanish Language
training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, from
May to September 1973, and then served as a light weapons leader with
Company C, 3rd Special Forces Battalion of the 7th Special Forces Group
at Fort Gulick, Panama Canal Zone, from September 1973 to November 1977.
He served as a Drill Instructor with the Army ROTC unit at the
University of Arizona from November 1977 to December 1980, and then
served as First Sergeant of Company C, 2nd Battalion of the 47th
Infantry Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington, from December 1980 to
November 1982. His next assignment was as an Enlisted Advisor and then
Senior Enlisted Advisor at the Army Garrison at Fort Lewis from November
1982 to February 1985, and he then attended the U.S. Army Sergeants
Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas, from February to July 1985. SGM
Erickson served as Operations Sergeant Major and then Support Battalion
Sergeant Major with 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg from August
1985 to June 1986, followed by service as an instructor at the Army
Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss from June 1986 to June 1987. His
next assignment was as Command Sergeant Major of 1st Battalion, 1st
Special Forces Group on Okinawa from July 1987 to December 1988, and
then as Assistant Operations Sergeant Major and then Command Sergeant
Major with the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School at Fort Huachuca
from December 1988 until his retirement from the Army on November 1,
1994.
Frederick Forrest (Fred) Mentzer, SOA
#1725,
MAJ, (Ret), 77, died suddenly November 15, 2014
at his home in Keizer, OR, from complications of heart disease. Fred
graduated from US Army flight school in class 63-4T, and retired from
the Army as a Major. He served two tours in Vietnam, first with the
117th AHC in 64/65. In July 1967 he joined the 281st Assault Helicopter
Company in Nha Trang which was OPCON to Detachment B-52, Project Delta,
5th Special Forces Group as the Gunship Platoon Leader. The 281st
Assault Helicopter Company was the U.S. Army’s first Special Operations
Helicopter Company in 1967 and immediately took command of the Wolf Pack
Gun Platoon, as the previous commander had been seriously wounded and
hospitalized. During 1967/68 Fred continued to develop the Wolf Pack
into one of the top weapons platoons in Vietnam. His mission was to
protect and support the long-range reconnaissance teams of Project
Delta, the members of the ARVN Special Forces Battalion attached to
Delta and the flight crews of the 281st AHC. Fred was a professional
helicopter pilot after leaving the Army working for companies in Europe,
the Mid East, and in the US. He is survived by his wife of seven years,
Karen, his high school sweetheart who he found again after 50 years.
Also surviving are two daughters, and several grandchildren and great
grandchildren. Another daughter predeceased him. In retirement he became
very interested in computer technology, honing his skills to become
proficient with both MAC’s and PC’s. He was an active member of the
Keizer Elks Lodge. Fred’s remains were cremated, and inurnment will be
held at Arlington National Cemetery on April 14, 2015.

James G. "Jim" Ringland, SOA #1498,
1SGT, USA (Ret), age 80 years, of Holts Summit, Mo., passed away
November 4, 2014 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on
January 27, 1934 in New London, Connecticut the son of James G. and Dora
Oles Ringland. He was married in 1957 in New York to Joan Thomas, who
preceded him in death in 1999. He later married Marilyn Fischer on
November 16, 2002 in Bradenton, Florida. As a teenager he roller skated
on 19” stilts in Florida and when he was 13 years old began racing boats
built by his father in Sarasota Bay. Jim graduated from Manatee County
High School in Bradenton, Florida in 1952. Jim “Ringo” was proud to
serve his county in the United States Army, Special Forces, and Special
Operations for over 26 years, retiring as First Sergeant. During his
time in the service, Jim served one tour in Korea and three in Vietnam,
volunteering for two of them. After his service in Vietnam, Jim helped
teach survival and psychological warfare tactics at Fort Bragg in North
Carolina to Special Forces soldiers. Jim excelled at everything he set
his mind to and attained numerous honors and certifications in every
position he held. In June 2010 Jim was the 11th recipient of the Saint
Phillip Neri Patron Saint of the US Army Special Forces Silver Award for
outstanding service to Special Forces. When President John F. Kennedy
made the “Green Beret” the official headgear of the Special Forces
soldier he was part of the ceremony. Following Jim’s military career, he
was employed with the Atlanta Braves organization as an in-house
detective and self defense training officer, as a branch captain for the
Atlanta Journal – Constitution, and as a locksmith in Atlanta and
Tyler’s Lock and Key in Jefferson City. He helped organize and was a
life member of the Special Forces Association, Chapter #82 Branson where
he served as president for ten years and was president of Chapter #59 in
Georgia for many years. He was also a member of the Special Operation
Association; American Legion Roscoe, Enloe Post 5; the Veteran’s of
Foreign Wars in Columbia, Mo.; and a supporter of the Patriot Guard
Riders. A resident of central Missouri area since 2000, Jim enjoyed
bowling, billiards, playing the drums, and being a supporter of the
Central Missouri Honor Flight. Survivors include: his wife, Marilyn; two
sons, Michael Ringland and his wife Alina of Laurel Hills, Florida, and
James Ringland and his wife Tovah of Marietta, Georgia; one daughter,
Monica Ringland of Mableton, Georgia; two brothers, Don Ringland and his
wife Mary and Tommy Ringland and his friend Cleo, all of Bradenton,
Florida; one sister, Dea Brown and her husband Don of Bradenton,
Florida; his mother-in-law, Ada Arlene Fischer of Versailles, Mo.; four
grandchildren, Alina Joan of Greensboro, North Carolina, James E.
Ringland of Laurel Hills, Florida, and Nathan and Jadon Ringland of
Marietta, Georgia; several nieces and nephews; and three beloved cats,
Tucker, Anya, and Midnight. He was preceded in death by two brothers,
Russell and Barry Ringland.

Ted Aslund, SOA #2875,
Theodore
“Ted” Darby Aslund, age 69, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2014. Mr.
Aslund was born January 17, 1945 in Chester, SC. He was a U.S. Army
Veteran and had served during the Vietnam War. Mr. Aslund was a former
member of the Wolf Laurel Ski Patrol for eighteen years, he was an avid
fisherman, and enjoyed spending time with his dogs. He was the son of
the late Charles Birch and Isabel Darby Aslund. Survivors include his
wife of fifteen years, Jean Manera Aslund; his step-daughter, Elizabeth
Manera Goodmon and step-son, Mitchell Medford. His memorial service was
held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, September 26, 2014, in the Chapel of West
Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave. in Weaverville. Reverend Michelle K.
Smith officiated.

Alfonso Stevens, SOA #3050, passed
away on 30 August 2014.

Ray Whittington, SOA #49,
passed away in August 2014. He is survived by his wife, Irene E.
Whittington of Galveston, TX.
Jan Janosik, SOA #2446,passed away on July 30, 2014. He is survived by
his wife, Josie. Jan served in White Star and was a resident of Brandon,
FL.
Jon R. Cavaiani, SOA #1000, SGM, USA (Ret), Medal of
Honor, died July 29, 2014 in Stanford, CA after a prolonged illness. By
his side was his wife, Barbara. Born in England, Cavaiani came to the
United States with his parents in 1947 at age four. Though initially
classified 4F, due in part to a severe allergy to bee stings, Cavaiani
eventually joined the Army from Fresno, California, shortly before
becoming a naturalized citizen in 1968. He went to Vietnam in 1970 with
the US Army Special Forces (the Green Berets) and by June 4, 1971, he
was serving as a Staff Sergeant in Task Force 1 Advisory Element, USARV
Training Advisory Group. This “advisory group” was formerly an element
of the top secret and clandestine unit, MACV-SOG. On that day, near Khe
Sanh, his outpost came under intense enemy attack. Cavaiani organized
the unit's defense and, when evacuation by helicopter became necessary,
he voluntarily stayed on the ground and directed the aircraft, which
successfully evacuated most of the platoon. Cavaiani and a small group
were left behind. During a major enemy attack the next morning, he
ordered the remaining men to escape while he stayed and provided
suppressive fire to cover their retreat. He was captured and spent the
next two years as a prisoner of war. Jon R. Cavaiani was released by the
Provisional Government of Vietnam on April 27, 1973. President Gerald
Ford presented Cavaiani with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony on
December 12, 1974. Cavaiani later reached the rank of Sergeant Major
before retiring from the Army in 1996. According to John “Tilt” Meyer,
president of the Special Operations Association and former member of
MACV SOG’s RT Idaho, “Jon remained very active in the Medal of Honor
Society and the Special Operations Association and continued throughout
his life to serve his nation and his community.” Meyers continued, “His
friends, family and brothers in arms will miss his broad smile and quick
wit, but mostly we will miss his ever present willingness to help
others.” After returning from Vietnam, he served as an instructor at
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from July 1973 to August 1974, before
transferring to the U.S. Army Readiness Region IX in San Francisco,
California where he was assigned as the Chief Enlisted Advisor. His next
assignment was as an Operations Sergeant on the Allied Staff in West
Berlin, Germany, from September 1977 to August 1980. Cavaiani then
served with the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Devens, Massachusetts,
from August 1980 to May 1983, and then with the 11th Special Forces
Group at Fort Meade, Maryland, from May 1983 to June 1984. His next
assignment was with the 97th Army Reserve Command, also at Fort Meade,
where he served until September 1985. Moving to Fort Eustis, Virginia,
he assumed the position of NCOIC of Plans, Operations, and Training and
then as Operations Sergeant Major with the Flight Concepts Division, a
slot he held until May 1989. SGM Cavaiani’s final assignment was as
Chief Instructor at the Army ROTC detachment at the University of
California, Davis campus, from May 1989 until his retirement from the
Army on May 31, 1990. Upon retiring, he served as the 6th region
director of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and also graduated
with honors from the culinary arts program in Columbia, California where
he lived with his wife Barbara. Jon is survived by his wife, two
daughters, three grandsons, and two granddaughters. Among his numerous
awards and decorations are the nation’s highest award for valor, the
army Medal of Honor; the Legion of Valor, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star
medal (valor), Purple Heart with oak leaf clusters. Jon was a freefall
and static line jumpmaster and has over 5,000 jumps all over the world.
Funeral services will be held at Reilly Funeral Home in Philadelphia
with burial to take place at Arlington National Cemetery.
James Holt,On
Thursday, 14 May the remains of James Holt (KIA 07FEB1968 at Lang Vei)
will be interred in Arlington with a reception following at the Fort
Myer Officer's Club. MSG Holt had been classified as MIA for 47 years
until his remains were identified in January, 2015 and accepted by his
family. MSG James Holt was assigned to Detachment A-101 (Lang Vei)
Company C, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

George A. Fisher, SOA #636,
LTC,
USA (Ret), died on 5 July 2014 at his home in Las Vegas, at the age of
79. George retired from the US Army after 28 years of service as a
Military Intelligence officer with the rank of Lt. Colonel. His tours of
duty encompassed South Vietnam, Laos (Project 404), Thailand, Cambodia,
China, South Korea, Europe and the Middle East. Among his awards and
decorations are The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Vietnam Cross of
Gallantry, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal,
Army Commendation Medal and numerous awards from allied Nations. George
was fluent in the Chinese, French, Burmese and Thai languages. In 1998,
he was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly. He is survived by his
daughter, Vickie Fisher-Moore; her husband, Robert Moore and
grandchildren, George Cody Moore and Kaitlyn Wray Moore of Hendersonville,
North Carolina.
John McGovern, SOA #2574,
SOA member and highly respected SOG member from Phu Bai, died 19 June
2014, with his loving wife, Janet, by his side.

Paul C. Payne, SOA #2098,
passed away at his home on 16 June, 2014. A visitation and service will
be held at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home on 21 June.
Roger L. Sullivan, SOA #976,68, of Richmond, died at home on May 4, 2014. A
native Virginian, Roger was the son of the late John L. Sullivan and
Janie Emma Curtis. He graduated from Spotsylvania High School in 1964,
attended Richmond Professional Institute for one year, and then joined
the U.S. Army in January 1966. Roger served proudly with the 5th Special
Forces Group MACV-SOG, Command & Control North, in Vietnam, the most
decorated unit during the Vietnam War. While operating with Recon Team
Krait out of Khe Sanh, Vietnam, he was critically wounded on February
19, 1968, and medi-vaced to Japan. For his courageous service, he was
awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor, Presidential Unit
Citation, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm,
Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, First Class, Combat Infantryman Badge
and Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars. After recovery, Roger
was returned to 6th Special Forces Group, Ft. Bragg, where he was
discharged in December 1968. Roger returned to college at VCU, earning
his degree in Business Management (Real Estate). He was successful in
the real estate and insurance business until redirecting his focus and
interests and certifying as a National Service Officer for a Veterans
Service Organization. He became a passionate champion for veterans'
rights and developed an all-consuming devotion to advocating on their
behalf at every level. He retired as NSO six years ago, but he continued
to help Veterans daily until his illness this year. Roger is survived by
his loving wife of 42 years, Brenda; their devoted twins, of whom Roger
was so proud, Suzanne and Jonathan; his brother, George Curtis (Elsie)
of Spotsylvania; brothers-in-law, Joddie Williams Jr. and Kenny Williams
(Sue) of Emporia; three nephews, two nieces, and a growing family of
great and great-great-nieces and nephews. Interment, with military
honors, will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
Lou Smith, SOA #134, passed away on Sunday,
May 1, 2014 at the VA hospital in Indianapolis, IN according to his
wife, Bettye. Lou was also a member of SFA – Chapter 21 in Florida. Lou
was one of the original 33 men that opened FOB-2 at Kontum in May of
1966 and served on RT Dakota.
James R. McGlon, SOA #1589, recently passed
away from complications from pneumonia according to his wife, Anne.
A military burial was completed last Saturday and memorial services will
be conducted on Saturday the 26th at his local church. Jim, also known
to his friends as “Old Blue”, served on A-103 (Gia Vuc) in 1967 then
again on RT New York in 1968.
F.M. Ritchie, SOA #734,
At approximately 1200 hours local time, 9 April 2014, F. M. Ritchie
passed away at the local VA Hospice Center in Ivins, Utah. F.M. was an
“Original” member of the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) located at
Fort Bragg, North Carolina and deployed to Bad Tolz, Germany in November
1953. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Robert “Bob” Willman SOA #1855,
passed away Monday evening, April 1, 2014. Bob's wife's name is Gail.
Her one son is in China.

Robert “Bob” Willman SOA #1855,
passed away Monday evening, April 1, 2014. Bob's wife's name is Gail.
Her one son is in China.
Newlin "Eric" Happersett, SOA #225,
Lt. Col., US Army (Ret), passed away March 18, 2014 in Phoenix Arizona.
Eric was born in 1923 Colorado and grew up on a ranch in Wyoming. At age
17 Eric enlisted in the US Army Air Corp. As result of his bravery and
dedication to duty, he rose through the ranks and, after 26 years,
retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Eric's military career spanned three
wars. As a gunner during World War II, his plane was shot down and he
was captured and held as a POW in Nazi Germany for two years. Upon his
release, he returned to duty and went on to serve in Korea where he was
wounded in action. During the Vietnam War, Eric was a member of the
storied 82nd Airborne Division. As a Green Beret in Special Forces he
repeatedly fought behind enemy lines, served three tours of duty and was
again wounded in action. In 1970 Eric retired from military service and
moved to Arizona where he worked as a Lieutenant in the Maricopa County
Sheriff's Department and later became the City of Peoria Chief of
Police. A lifelong horse lover, Eric fulfilled his dream of having a
horse ranch as owner of Bluegrass Arabians in Cave Creek. He and his
wife Joyce made many friends in the Scottsdale horse community and were
very active breeding, training and showing Arabians and Quarter Horses.
He was also a devoted dog and all­around animal lover. As a genuine war
hero and committed animal advocate, there are countless human beings and
other living things who owe their lives to Eric. Eric Happersett is
survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Joyce, brother­in­law and
friend Ted Klainer, Sr; nieces Mary and Stephanie Klainer, and nephew,
Ted S. Klainer.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, March 27th, 5 to 8pm at Shadow
Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E Greenway Rd, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be
held on Friday, March 28th, 9am at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church,
36811 N. Pima Rd, Carefree, followed by internment at 11 am at the
National Memorial Cemetery on Pinnacle Peak Road.

Ola Lee Mize, SOA #1257,
COL (USA Ret.), Medal of Honor, passed away on 12 March 2014. Colonel
Mize was born on 28 August 1931 and entered the United States Army on 18
April 1950. After completing Basic Training and Airborne School, he was
assigned to the 325th AIR at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1952, then
Sergeant Mize, was assigned to the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry
Division and rose to the rank of First Sergeant. While assigned to
Company K, 15th Infantry Regiment, Sergeant Mize distinguished himself
during action against the enemy near Surang-ni, Korea, on 10-11 June
1953. While committed to the defense of “Outpost Harry,” a strategically
valuable position, the enemy launched a heavy attack. Sergeant Mize
established an effective defense system and inflicted heavy casualties
against attacks from enemy assault forces which had penetrated into
trenches within the outpost area. Throughout the tenuous fight, Sergeant
Mize led his Soldiers from bunker to bunker to clear the enemy forces.
After reestablishing the defense, he moved from man to man, distributing
ammunition and shouting words of encouragement, despite being blown down
by artillery and grenade blasts three times. On September 7, 1954 he was
presented the Medal of Honor by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1956,
Colonel Mize received his commission and was initially assigned to Fort
Bragg and subsequently to Germany. After leaving Germany in 1962, then
Captain Mize, completed Special Forces training and was assigned to the
7th Special Forces Group. In late 1963, he was assigned to the 5th
Special Forces Group, where he was deployed to Vietnam as an A-Team
Leader. In 1965, he was assigned to the Special Forces Training Group,
where he was the Advanced Training Committee chief for SCUBA, HALO, and
the SKY HOOK schools. Colonel Mize is credited for being the officer
responsible for starting the present day Combat Divers Qualification
Course in Key West, FL. From 1966 to 1967, he was again assigned to
Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group where he was an Operational A,
B, and C Detachment Commander and once more in 1969, where he was
assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group as the Commander of the 3d
Mobile Strike Force Command (Cambodian Troops). In 1975 Colonel Mize was
assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was initially the
Special Forces School Chief for the Field Training Division and
Resistance Division and subsequently the Commander of the Special Forces
School.
Colonel Mize’s awards include the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Legion of
Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star (with four Oak Leaf
Clusters), Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, SCUBA Badge, and the
Combat Infantryman’s Badge (2nd award). Colonel Mize retired in 1981 and
lived in Gadsden, AL with his wife, the former Betty Ruth Jackson. He
has been a frequent speaker with the Regimental “dining ins,” an event
that preceded the Regimental First Formations, where Special Forces
candidates receive their berets. He is also active in the Medal of Honor
Society and gives talks to school groups not only about the Medal of
Honor, but the Army in general.

Celestino William Garcia, SOA #1052,
CSM (Ret), age 84, of Widefield, CO, passed
away at home February 11, 2014. He was born April 6, 1929 in La Junta,
CO but grew up in Rocky Ford, CO prior to his military service which
became his life-long passion. He is survived by his son, Gregory; his
daughter, Rhonda Lewis; his grandson, Joshua (Colleen) Lewis; his
great-grandson, Francisco, and his brother-in-law, Werner Gierth. He was
preceded in death by his devoted wife of 54 years, Helga. Bill joined
the Army Air Corps at age 17 but when it was discovered he was not yet
18 years old he was sent home where he stayed working with his dad as a
sheepherder and as a pressman for Unique Cleaners in Rocky Ford. As soon
as he turned 18 he joined the U. S Army, where he remained until his
retirement in October 1968. He rose quickly through the enlisted ranks
and became one of the youngest Command Sergeant Majors (CSM).Throughout
his retirement he was very active in the VFW, American Legion and
especially the Special Operations Association. For many years, up to and
including 2013, he attended the Special Operations association Reunion
in Las Vegas, NV. Up until three years ago he would meet his comrade in
arms Don Benjamin in Cheyenne, WY and drive in Don's motor home to Las
Vegas. After that he agreed reluctantly to take a flight to Las Vegas.
Among the many highlights of his career was sewing with the 11th and
101St Airborne as a paratrooper. He was stationed for many years at Fort
Campbell, KY. He also proudly served the U. S. Army in assignments to
Japan, Korea, Germany and Vietnam, where he had four different
assignments. He was later assigned to Fort Carson, where he proudly
served as CSM for the Aviation Battalion until his retirement in October
1968.
It was in Germany that he married his wife Helga in January, 1957. Bill
was very proud that in whatever country he was assigned he learned to
speak their language. He was fluent in Japanese, Korean and German, in
addition to Spanish and English. Bill was a member of a large close
family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donaciano and Lucy
Garcia; his sisters, Ann, Viola, and Mary; his brother, Donald Ernest;
his stepfather, Juan Zamora, and his stepbrothers, Joe and John Zamora.
He is also survived by his sisters, Sylvia (Tony) Aragon and Bertha
Garcia; his brother, Charles (Delia) Garcia, his stepsister, Mary Lou
Zamora and his stepbrother, Isaac Zamora. Bill was very close to and was
loved very much by all his nephews and nieces. They include Bob (Judy),
Jimmy (Maria), Ben, Donny, Billy Vigil, Marilyn (Fernando) Sanchez,
Pauline (Joe) Gil, Patty Arendt, Michael (Birdy), and Andy Bennett;
Anthony (Linda) Garcia, Jonathan Marshall Garcia; Carla, Carlos
(Theresa), and Christoper Garcia; his grandnephews, Nick Gonzales and
Erik Garcia; his grandnieces Nyssa Garcia, Adriana Gonzales, Aurelia and
Mia Garcia, and step nephews and nieces Becky Pacheco, Marisa (Jose)
Gomez, Denise (Tony) Hernandez, and Vincent Zamora. He was also preceded
in death by a niece, Nancy Juarez and nephew Larry Arendt. Funeral
services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 20, at Dove-Witt
Family Mortuary, 6630 S. Highway 85/87, Fountain, CO. Bill's remains
will be cremated. After completion of the new National Cemetery in
Colorado Springs, Bill and Helga will be laid to rest.
Charles W. Norton, Jr., SOA #871,
COL (Ret), passed away peacefully Saturday, 16 November, 2013. Charlie
enlisted in the Army in 1944 and was assigned to the Persian Gulf
Command where he earned his commission. He returned to his home in Maine
serving in the National Guard. He volunteered for a new organization,
the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in late 1952. He then
volunteered for duty in Korea with the 8240th Army Unit. He was then
assigned to the 77th SFG(A) as a Detachment CO under COL Aaron Bank in
1954. He had several assignments between the 77th, 10th, 7th SFG's and
the UW Department at the special Warfare School. In 1962 he was assigned
to the 1st SFG(A) on Okinawa and was made the first full tour CO of the
resident detachment in Korea. After a tour with the 1st Armored Div. COL
Norton was assigned to MACV SOG in Vietnam and commanded FOB 2 replacing
MAJ Larry Thorne, who was at that time MIA. He expanded the program
establishing two FOB's at Khe Sanh and Dak To. He served as operations
and launch officer of the FOB's and became XO of CCC. He returned to
CONUS as the sole instructor in UW and Airborne Operations at the Armed
Forces Staff College. In 1969 Charlie returned to Vietnam as the XO of
the 5th SFG (A). After that tour he took a course in Finnish and was
assigned as the Army Attaché in Finland. He returned to Ft. Bragg as the
CO of the 7th SFG(A) and later the DCO of the JFK Center for Military
Assistance. Charlie retired in 1981. He joined the SFA in 1966 and was
President Emeritus of Chapter 11. Charlie's widow, Virginia "Ginny"
asked that if anyone wishes memorials may be made to the Special
Operations Warrior Foundation or the JFK Special Warfare Center Museum
at Ft. Bragg. Services will be in the Spring at Arlington.

Ronald D. Colwell, SOA #1180, passed away 7 Nov. 2013.
Ronald served in the Korean War and had four or more tours in Vietnam.
Ronald retired with 20 years of active service. Ron was a member of SFA
and SOA. Among his awards are the Silver Star, Bronze star and 3 Purple
Hearts. Ronald will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in the
spring of 2014.
He is survived by his niece Kathy Foster.

Rheault, Robert B, SOA #387,
COL (Ret), 87, passed away peacefully at home in Owl’s Head, Maine on 16
October, 2013. Bob worked as a cowboy on ranches in Wyoming when he was
just 14. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and attended the US
Military Academy, West Point. He first saw combat in Korea earning a
Silver Star and rising to the rank of Captain. He returned to West Point
and taught French for several years. He attended the Special Forces
Officer Course in 1960 and was assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group
in Germany. In 1964 he served with the 5th Special Forces Group in
Vietnam. He served on the Special Operations Division, Office of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1966. He took command of the 1st Special Forces
Group on Okinawa in 1968 and commanded the 5th Special Forces Group in
Vietnam until his retirement in 1969. After his retirement Bob worked
for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School for 32 years. He started
as an Assistant Watch Officer and rose to President of the school.
During the last 19 of those years he started and ran an Outward Bound
Program for Vietnam Veterans suffering from PTSD. He was preceded in
death by his brother, Andre and his first wife, Nan. He is survived by
his wife of 36 years, Susan; five children, Susanne, Meesh, Robert Jr,
Nicholas and Alexis. He is also survived by many loving in-laws, nephews
and nieces, grandchildren and one goddaughter. The family requests
memorials be made to The Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, 39
Mechanic St. Suite 310, Camden, ME 04843
Sadler, John F. Jr., SOA #1744, COL (Ret),
89, passed away on 7 October, 2013, after being hospitalized for massive
heart failure. COL Sadler enlisted in 1943, attended Airborne School and
was sent to the Pacific Theater with the 511 PIR, 11th Airborne Div. He
fought across New Guinea, the Philippines, Leyte and Luzon. He attended
Officer Candidate School in Australia in 1945. After Japan surrendered
he served with the Army of Occupation in 1947. He then served in Korea
with the 8240th, 8751st and 8706 Army Units, the forerunners of modern
Special Forces. After the Korean Was COL Sadler was assigned to the
XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg and then to JUSMAAG, Turkey. In 1961
he was assigned to PACOM in Hawaii in a classified position. He became
Chief, Military Region 2 in Laos where he supported the White Star
Teams. After various assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division, the
187th Parachute Infantry Regiment and the Army War College, he became
Chief, Plans and Programs Division, USAREUR. While as a Brigade CO in
the 8th Infantry Division he got the call to become the fifth, and
final, Chief, Studies and Observations Group (SOG). He served as Chief
SOG from 1970 to 1972. His last assignment was DCO, Southern Command in
the Canal Zone. He retired in 1975 after 32 ½ years of distinguished
service. Among his many awards and decorations are the Distinguished
Flying Cross, Bronze Star w/V, Air Medal, Purple Heart, many WWII and
Korean service medals, CIB w/Star, Master OParachutist Badge, Glider
Badge. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Beth. He is survived by
his wife of 58 years, Dorothy “Murph;” daughter, Kris and son John. He
is also survived by four grandchildren and great grandchildren.
William J. Boggs, SOA #1372, MAJ, USA (Ret), 79, of Dog
Run Rd. Salem departed this life on Friday, September 20, 2013 at the
Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center. He was born on May 8, 1934 at
Thornton a son of the late William Washington and Mabel Pearl Snyder
Boggs. Twice married he was preceded in death by his first wife Barbara
Allen Boggs. On October 20, 2007 he married Mary Elizabeth Alfred Boggs
who survives. Mr. Boggs was a retired Major, U. S. Army Special Forces.
He had two tours of duty in Vietnam and was a Bronze Star and Purple
Heart recipient. He was Department of WV Military Order of Purple Heart
State Commander; 3rd District Commander, American Legion and Commander,
Underage Veterans of Military Service. He was a Cum Laude graduate of
Fairmont State University. Mr. Boggs and his first wife bred and showed
Chow Chow as Sylvan Heights Chows. Also surviving is three sons, James
Boggs and wife Alcinda, Clarksburg, William A. Boggs, Weston,
Christopher Gladkosky, Salem, one grandchild, Lindsey Boggs, one great
grandchild, Cayden Boggs. five brothers, John A. Boggs, MN, Merritt
Boggs, Clarksburg, Max Boggs, Los Angeles, CA, James Boggs, Hagerstown,
MD and Joseph Boggs, Alum Bridge. Two sons, Joseph Wayne Boggs and John
Andrew Boggs preceded him in death. A memorial service was conducted at
the Harbert Funeral Home; 287 W. Main St.; Salem, WV on Monday,
September 23, 2013.
John A. Damoth, SOA #1414,
passed away Sept. 12, 2013. He served in Vietnam with SOG recon at CCS &
CCC.

Minnicks, Charles J., SOA #3559, 82, passed away on 31
August, 2013, in Greensburg, PA. Skip served during the Korean War and
joined Special Forces serving in the original 77th Special Forces Group
in 1954. He also served with the 7th and 3rd Special Forces Groups. He
went to Vietnam with the 5th SFG in 1962 and served continuously until
1969 in various assignments. He was assigned to I, II and III Corps,
Delta Project and was at Khe Sanh during the Tet Offensive of 1968.
After retirement he belonged to the Shidle Lodge 601, Syria Shrine of
Pittsburgh, Syria Shrine Gun Club, the Coudersport Consistory, VFW Post
8427, American Legion Post 945, several Rod and Gun Clubs, the Khe Sanh
Veterans Association and the Special Forces Association. He was inducted
into the PA Hall of Valor at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and
Museum. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann; a son, Charles; three
grandchildren; Charles, Margaret and Patricia; and his brother, James.
Masonic services were held at the Shidle Lodge 601. Interment with full
military honors was in the Westmorland County Memorial Park.

Jerry Lee, SOA #1615, 78,
of Palm Coast passed away August 3, 2013. A Memorial Service will be
held in his honor Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Lohman Funeral
Home Palm Coast. Jerry proudly served his country for 22 years in the US
Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant in Special Forces. Jerry had a
second career in the US Postal Service, retiring after 22 years there,
as well. Jerry and his wife Sandra moved to Palm Coast from Canterbury,
NH in 2003. In NH, Jerry attended and graduated from Nathaniel Hawthorne
College in 1980. Jerry enjoyed Florida for the golf and fishing. He also
was an avid reader. Jerry was a life member of the VFW, and active in
the Special Operations Association and Chapter XXI Special Forces
Association. Jerry will be sadly missed by his wife Sandra and their
five children: Peter R. Lee, Sharmon Lee Moes, Terra Lee, David E. Lee,
and Matthew H. Lee and daughter in law Kimberly, and by his ten beloved
grandchildren. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman
Funeral Home Palm Coast. Condolences may be shared with the family
atwww.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.
Ronald Henry "Tex" Houston, SOA #2288,
SSG, USA, passed away May 27, 2013. He was a member of the 5th SFGA
during the Vietnam War.
It is with great sadness, we report the loss of SSG Ronald Henry ‘Tex”
Houston, who passed away, 27 May 2013, in Wickenburg, AZ. Tex died as a
result after a lengthy battle with cancer. I served with Tex at SOG CCS;
he was assigned to 1st Exploration Company, with extensive combat time
running missions with Captain Carr and Pappy Reed. On my first tour, I
was assigned to 1st company for a very short time and went on two
operations with him before joining CCS Recon. My second week in county,
I went on my very first mission with Tex. It was my first combat, and
Tex went the extra mile to make sure I didn’t do stupid as I earned my
CIB. Tex was a friend, a great warrior, solid soldier. He was one of
those soldiers you could rely on 100% in the field. Tex returned to the
US and went back to being a cowboy in Texas and AZ for years, then
started a Gun Shop in AZ. He recently gave the SOA several items for our
silent auction. He is survived by his only daughter, unfortunately; he
had little or no contact with her over the years. Tex was a member of
the SOA/SFA, he was a decorated SOG veteran receiving his CIB and Purple
Heart, if my memory is correct, he earned several awards for valor and
achievement.
May he RIP

Pete “BUS” Buscetto
CCS Recon

Rondald Darwin Wingo, SOA #273,
CW3, US Army (Ret), passed away May 13th, 2013 at St Vincent’s Hospital,
Birmingham, Alabama. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer. Ron
was born on December 31st, 1939 in Sipsey, Alabama. After graduation
from high school, Ron entered the Army and after various training
programs at Fort Bragg he was assigned to 1st Special Forces Group on
Okinawa. While assigned to 1st Special Forces Group, he served several
TDY tours in Vietnam with Combined Studies, and 5th Special Forces
Group. One of his assignments was with MACV Recondo School. He returned
to CONUS assigned to 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg in 1969 and
then attended the Warrant Officer Academy and Flight School. Upon
completion he was assigned to the Aviation Unit at Hamby Army Air Field
on Okinawa. He retired from the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.
After retiring he flew a ferrying service to oil rigs in the Gulf of
Mexico and then as a Life Support Pilot with the Carraway Methodist
Medical Center in Alabama retiring as their Chief Pilot in 2000. His
many awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, CIB, Master
Parachutist Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge and Combat Divers Badge. He
was a member of the Special Forces Association and the Special
Operations Association as well as several other Veteran Associations.
Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years, Fumiko of the home, three
children: Brett, Katharine and Linda, two brothers: Tony and Rex Wingo,
five grandchildren: Abbi Brown, Cody Small, Houston Wingo, Harrison
Wingo and Hudson Wingo. "Rags" will be cremated and interred in the
National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama with full military honors on
Thursday 23 May at 1315 Address: 3133 Alabama Hwy, Montevallo, There
will be an informal reception for family and friends on Wednesday 22 May
from 1800 to 2100 at the Fairfield Inn Reception Room, 1795 Morris Ave.,
Fultondale, Alabama. In lieu of flowers as per Ron's request, a donation
may be made to the Special Forces Association, P.O. Box 41436,
Fayetteville, NC 29309.

William A. Curry, III , SOA #147,
passed away at his home in Columbus, NE on Saturday, April 20, 2013.
Bill served with RT New Hampshire in CCC during the period 1970-71. The
funeral service will be Wednesday, April 24 at 10:30 A.M. at the Gass
Haney Funeral Home, with military honors provided by the American Legion
Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard. Visitation on Tuesday from 5-8 P.M. at the
Gass Haney Funeral Home.
Stephen G. Filipetti, SOA #398, B56 (SIGMA) Recon
comrade, passed away on April 7, 2013 at his home in Hoquiam, Grays
Harbor County, Washington. Steve had five brothers and sisters: Kathy
(Filipetti) Hill, Suzanne Filipetti, Joyce Filipetti, Brian Filipetti
and Kenneth Filipetti (Joyce's twin) who passed away in 2003. Steve is
survived by his wife, Bobbie (Lewis) Filipetti. Steve is mentioned in
LTC Fred Lindsey’s Secret Green Beret Commandos in Cambodia on page 120
on the B56 Recon roster, and on page 149 for a recon mission as One-One
for an Unknown RT, receiving a BSV & PH on 5/28-30, 1968.
Paul F. Campbell, SOA #409,passed away April 1, 2013. Paul is survived by his wife, June; children,
Karen and Todd; and many friends and relatives. He served with the 77th
Group (1955-59); 1st Group (1959-1963); 5th & 3rd Groups (1963-66); 5th
Group (Vietnam)(1966-67); 7th Group (1967-69); 5th Group (1969-70) and
retired out of 7th Group in 1970.
Thomas F. Smith, SOA #138,
SFC, US Army (Ret), 71 of Tampa, Florida passed away March 23, 2013.
Thomas Smith contributed to changing the world in many ways ranging from
helping to shape the solar home industry to how personal security is
handled today. His career started in the U.S. Army where he served on
Special Forces "A" Teams and was an early member of the Studies and
Operations Group. After the military he moved to Japan to study martial
arts where he studied under the Osensei of Aikido. Despite moving to
country with any Japanese language skills, he graduated from the
prestigious Sophia University in Tokyo and published books in Japanese.
Following graduation he entered a think tank in Tokyo and travelled
extensively doing research on emerging trends. During the time one of
the emerging trends was for developing energy efficient homes and his
travels him culminated with him designing and building a prototype
passive solar home in Lake Tahoe. Over the next decade 1000's of his
solar designs were built around the country. The homes and technology he
developed were featured in many publications including but not limited
to Popular Mechanics, Better Homes and Gardens, MacWorld (for being one
of the very first adopters of Mac-based CAD programs for home design).
Never one to sit still, he would occasionally harness his earlier
special operations trainings and would routinely engage in special
security cases around the world. This eventually changed his focus away
from the solar home industry and into the venturous world of
international security. He became business partners with the legendary
Richard Meadows and worked throughout Latin America. Over the next
couple of decades he would help organizations navigate through security
issues (ranging from corporate security to kidnap negotiations) in some
of the world's most dangerous countries. He headed up security for
Fortune 500 companies and large NGO s throughout Latin America, Middle
East, Haiti, and South Asia. His innovative approaches to security while
sticking to the motto of "keeping things simple" have led to pivotal
works in the field (videos, manuals, etc.) and his upcoming book on the
subject. He was a member of the American Society for Industrial Security
and a life member of both the Special Operations Association and Special
Forces Association.
Michael J. Phelan Jr, SOA #1598,
LTC, US Army (Ret), passed away March 14th, 2013 at Mercy Hospital
Northwest in Rogers, Arkansas. Mike was born on December 3rd, 1932 in
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Army during the Korean War.
After the war he attended Language School (Chinese Mandarin) and was
further assigned to 1st Special Forces Group on Okinawa. While assigned
to 1st Group, he served several TDY tours in Vietnam with Combined
Studies. Mike also served with the 1st Bn, 503rd, 173rd Airborne
Brigade, and the MACV-J3 Office. During the period 1969 – 1971 he was
assigned as Senior Advisor to the Republic of China Special Forces. His
other major assignments were with 3rd Special Forces Group, 11th and
101st Airborne Divisions. His many awards and decorations include the
Legion of Merit, CIB, Bronze Star and the Vietnam Service Medal with
nine campaign stars. He was preceded in death by his wife of 22 years,
Patricia, and brother James Phelan. He is survived by his beloved
partner, Joan McDermitt, of Havasu City, Arizona, a former US Army Nurse
who Mike met in Vietnam; two daughters, Kelly Bellers and her husband
Mike of St Louis, Missouri; and Heather O’Dell of Lebanon, Missouri; and
three grandchildren, Helena O’Dell and Alex and Maddie Bellers. Burial
was on 19 March, 2013, with full military honors at the Springfield
National Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
Zai Jian.

William "Bill" Terrell Tibbit, SOA #78,
CPT, US Army (Ret), of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully at his home
surrounded by family on Saturday, March 9, 2013. William was bom on
March 31, 1941, in Texarkana, TX to the late Thomas Lee Tibbit and
Marguer ite Sams Tibbit. He was preceded in death by his twin brother,
Thomas Gerrell Tibbit. Ret. Cpt. William T.Tibbit was Special Forces who
served 3 tours during the Vietnam War; was Decorated for Valor, served 7
campaigns, and received two Purple Hearts for his honorable service to
his country. His dedication continued on in the form of serving as the
Vice President of Chapter I-XVIII Special Forces Association. He was the
past President of the Retired Military Association. Bill was also a life
member of the Special Operation Assodabon and the National Order of
Battlefield Commissions. Bill is survived by daughter Kim Tibbit Simmons
and husband, Jimmy Simmons of Parkton; two sons Terrell Tibbit Jr. and
his wife, Denise Tibbit of Fayetteville and William "Tyler" Tibbit of
Las Vegas, Nevada; one brother Bob Tibbit and his wife, Rosie Tibbit of
Midfield, TX; one granddaughter Erika Jordan Simmons and fiance Chris
Wright of Needville, TX; one grandson, Scott Simmons of Fayetteville;
one niece and two nephews; numerous grand-nephews and nieces Services
entrusted to Rogers and Breece Funeral Home, of Fayetteville, NC.
Norman Allen Doney, SOA #665, CSM, US Army (Ret), passed
away February 20th 2013 in the Oregon Veteran’s Home, The Dalles,
Oregon. Norm had been ill for quite some time. His military service
began in January 1946 when he quit high school and joined the U.S. Navy.
He was discharged November 1947 and returned to high school. After
graduating from High School he enlisted in the Army in March 1953. Norm
had many various assignments to include the 5th Infantry Division, 82nd
and 101st Airborne Divisions before he volunteered for Special Forces in
1961. His initial assignment was with 7th Special Forces Group in which
he served on a “White Star” Mobile Training Team (MTT). Norm served two
(2) tours of duty with B-52, “Project Delta”, a tour with MACV-SOG at
CCC, Kontum, and a tour with Special Mission Advisory Group (SMAG). He
also served with 6th (Ft Bragg), 8th (Panama) and 10th (Ft Devens)
Special Forces Groups. Among Norm’s awards and decorations are the
Silver Star, 8 Bronze stars for Valor & Meritorious Service, Purple
Heart, CIB, 4 Presidential Unit Citations, Master Parachutist Badge and
the Vietnam Service Medal with 12 Campaign Stars. He was a member of
both the Special Forces Association and Special Operations Association
and was very active in MIA/POW issues for both Organizations. Norm is
survived by his wife Hazel Patricia (Patti), three Sons, and two
Daughters.

Kenneth Moyer, SOA #1985, MSG, US Army (Ret), passed
away February 11th, 2013 at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii.
He had been undergoing treatment for a heart attack and heart failure.
Ken was born on 9 August 1937 in Vancouver, Washington. His Special
Forces assignments were with the 1st, 7th, and 5th Special Forces
Groups. Ken served in MACV-SOG on two occasions: TDY while assigned to
1st Special Forces Group and again while assigned to 5th Special Forces
Group. He also was assigned to STDAT (Strategic Technical Directorate
Assistance Team) and FANK. Ken also served with the 505th AIR in
Germany. He was a Life Member of the Special Operations Association and
the Special Forces Association of which he was President of Chapter 43.
Among his many awards and decorations are the Presidential Unit
Citation, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, ARCOM w/V Device, CIB,
and Master Parachute Badge. He is survived by his wife Emiko (Amy); two
sons: Mark and John; one daughter Paula; four grandchildren: Lukas,
Naomia, Alexandria and Marcus. Funeral Services are scheduled for March
24th in Hilo, Hawaii.
Robert L. Cavanaugh, SOA #75,
passed away January 30, 2013.

Regis H. Murphy, Jr., SOA #2657,
passed away January 15, 2013.

William G. Bowles, SOA #3041, SGM,
US Army (Ret) passed away December 8, 2012 at a medical facility in
Atlanta, Georgia. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer. Billy was
born on the 22nd of August 1930 in Alabama. He entered the Army in 1948
and spent subsequent tours in Germany. His first Special Forces
assignment was with the 77th Special Forces Group during which he was
further assigned to “White Star”. His next assignment was 1st Special
Forces Group on Okinawa. While assigned to1st Group, he served three TDY
tours in Vietnam, two with Combined Studies, and one with 5th Special
Forces Group. Billy also served with the 6th Special Forces Group and
the 8th Special Forces Group (Panama). He returned to the 5th Special
Forces Group in Vietnam and served as the Sergeant Major of MACV Recondo
School. His many awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, and
CIB. He was preceded in death by his daughter and wife Erma. He is
survived by a step son and step daughter. Burial will be held at
Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 1500 with
full Military Honors.

James P. Monaghan, SOA #27,
Captain, US Army, (Ret) passed away on December 7, 2012 at St Mary’s
Hospital in Long Beach, California from complications relating to
exposure to agent orange. Jim was born on the 9th of August 1936 in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He entered the Army in 1953 and his first
major assignment was to the 557th QM Co (Abn), an Aerial Delivery Unit
in France. His Special Forces Assignments started with the 7th Special
Forces Group at Fort Bragg. Then to 1st Special Forces Group Okinawa,
Vietnam (A-421 Plei Mrong 1963, A-422 Ashau Valley 1964), and the
Republic of China (Taiwan); 3rd Special Forces Group; 5th Special Forces
Group (III Corps Mike Force A-302 1966; SOCPAC Okinawa; 10th Special
Forces Group Germany; 5th Special Forces Group (B-56/Advisor to Team 162
Delta Project changeover to 81st Airborne Ranger Group 1970); 1st
Special Forces Group Okinawa A-323 (SCUBA) and Army Readiness Region IX
Presidio of San Francisco as Senior Enlisted Advisor to 3rd Bn, 12th
Special Forces Group. His many awards and decorations include the Silver
Star, Soldier’s Medal, Purple Heart w/2 OLC, ARCOM w/”V” Device,
Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Combat
Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnamese Service Medal w/6 Campaign Stars, Master
Parachutist Badge, SCUBA Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm,
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Silver Star, and Vietnam Parachute Badge.
Jim was President of Chapter 2, Founding Member of Chapter 23, and a
member of Chapter 43, Special Forces Association. He was also the second
President of Special Operations Association. After his retirement in
1978 Jim was the Military Advisor in the production of the movies “Wild
Geese 2”, “Blue Skies”, “Body Snatchers” and had a part in the movie
“Chips and the War Dog”. Jim is survived by his former spouse Marie
(they were planning to get remarried); two daughters, Helen Monaghan,
Patricia Monaghan Wilson; two granddaughters, Amanda, Angie; one great
granddaughter, Aubrey. There are tentative plans for a Memorial Service
to be held at Fort Bragg. Burial will be held at Arlington National
Cemetery at a date to be determined and announced by the Arlington
Cemetery. James P was noted for always saying: “You might be out of
sight, but you are never out of mind”.
Robert William Dewey SOA #695, MSG,
US Army (Ret), passed away on 1 December, 2012 in Fountain, Florida. Bob
was born 3 September 1923. He was laid to rest 6 December 2012 at the
Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Naval Air Station. His Special
Operations Career began in Korea with assignment to the 8240th AU
(UNPIK) where he served as a Medic. Bob also served in the 77th, 7th and
1st Special Forces Group. While assigned to the 1st Group on Okinawa, he
was further assigned to the Taiwan Resident Team. His medical Education
included: PhD International Health, Nova Colleges, England, 1984; MPH
Epidemiology UnivPittsburgh, 1970; BS Microbiology Univ Arkansas 1966.
Professional Memberships: American Public HealthAssociation; Malaysian
Society of Parasitology & Tropical Medicine; National Council for
International Health. Military Affiliations: Special Forces Association;
Combat Medic Association; and VFW. Bob served in World War II from
1943-45 as a medical aid-man with the 13th FA Observation Bn in Europe
where he received the Bronze Star. He also was awarded the Combat
Medical Badge for his service in Korea. After attending college in
Arkansas he became the NCOIC of the Dept of Epidemiology, SEATO Medical
Research Lab in Bangkok where he studied the epidemiology and ecology of
plague in Vietnam and plague surveillance and epidemiology and control
of dengue fever and epidemiology of Reyes Syndrome in Thailand. He
retired from the military in 1969. After military retirement, he taught
and worked at the University California, San Francisco and also did more
research on dengue fever and other diseases endemic to SouthEast Asia.
He later moved to East Carolina University School of Allied Health and
Social Professions, where he was an assistant professor of Community
Health. Moving to Bay County Florida in ‘74, he taught high school
biology and science. He went back to Thailand where he was a Peace Corps
volunteer working as adviser and consultant to the Director of Rural
Health Research and Training Center and also was on the faculty of
Public Health, Mahidol University. He remained in Thailand until June
‘86, where he did much public health service and continued with his
research. Returning to Florida, he volunteered at the Museum of Man in
the Sea and did much research in the field of diving medicine as well as
volunteering in other areas. In ‘89-’90 he went to Papua, New Guinea
where he was the Project Concern International Country Director and
Woman’s Health Care (Child Survival) program. He is the author or
co-author as well as presenter, of many medical and research papers.
Robert is survived by his wife Sirion and three adult children and one
stepson. Bob is well known by SFA members not only for his service, but
also for the many years he sponsored the Panama City Beach Bash which
was attended by SFA members from all over the country.

Warren E. (Ed) Fisler, SOA #1933,
MSG, USA (Ret) passed away November 15, 2012. He was born May 18, 1935 in
Millville, New Jersey enlisted in the Army on February 4th, 1952. Served
23 years retiring as a Master Sergeant in August 1975. After basic
training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. was assigned to Regensburg,Germany
with the 485th Combat Engineers as a demolition specialist and radio
operator. Entered Special Forces training in March 1960 and assigned to
the 7th Group until 31 December 1962. On 1 January 1963 was assigned to
the 8th SFGA in Panama until June 1965. First Vietnam tour was July 1965
to June 1966. Was assigned to the 10th SFGA in Bad Tolz, Germany thru
December 1968. A second Vietnam tour was from February 1969 thru
September 1971 with the 5th SFGA Project Gamma and B-53. Then an ITT to
the 46th Company in Thailand from September 1971 to September 1972. Was
assigned to the 46th Co. SCUBA team for three months and then assigned
to special projects for nine months. After leaving Thailand, Mrs. Billie
Alexander said he had to go back to the USA for a hardship tour. Was
assigned to Fort Devens, Ma. With the 10th SFGA until retirement in
August 1975. After retirement, and finishing a year of college, accepted
contract employment with the U.S. Government in Central America from
1979-1981. Futher employment was accepted overseas in Kuwait as an
ordinance disposal specialist in 1997 to 1998. Military education: 16
weeks basic training, Combat Engineer, VII Corps Signal School
(CW),Field Radio Repair, Airborne, Special Forces/RTO and other SF commo
courses, SCUBA, Jumpmaster, Special Forces Operations and Intelligence
and SADEM. Awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal and 16 other medals,
ribbons and citations. CIB, Master Parachute Badge, Scuba Badge, Special
Forces Tab and five foreign parachute badges
Kenneth F. Kubasik, SOA #874,
passed away November 15, 2012.

David Ray Robinson, SOA #2584,
passed away October 27, 2012 in Memphis VA Hospital. He served in
MACV-SOG with RT Bushmaster and Oregon and as NKP medic.

John Flanagan, SOA #1887,
BG, USAF (Ret) passed away October 21, 2012. John was born and raised in
White Plains, NY where he graduated from Archbishop Stepinac High
School. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania for one year
before receiving an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy
in 1958. While at the Academy, John was a member of the Academy’s
undefeated football team that was ranked 6th nationally and played in
the Cotton Bowl. John majored in political science and graduated in 1962
as a second lieutenant. He immediately entered pilot training, and upon
graduation, was assigned as a combat crewmember at Otis AFB, where he
began his life-long love affair with Cape Cod. In 1965, in the very
early stages of the Vietnam War, John was among the first to answer the
call to combat, volunteering for duty as a Forward Air Controller
supporting elite Army units in close combat. John flew over 300 combat
missions and, in recognition of his heroism and gallantry, he was
awarded the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, twelve Air
Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. General Flanagan left the
active Air Force in 1968 but continued his military career in the New
York Air National Guard in a succession of key command positions in
flying operations. In January 1986, he was appointed the Deputy
Commander of the 6000 member New York Air National Guard and was
promoted to Brigadier General in March 1989. John retired from the
military in 1995 after 33 years of active, reserve and standby reserve
service. He was a Command Pilot with over 4400 flying hours and, at the
time of his retirement, was the most highly decorated officer in the New
York ANG. John was equally distinguished and accomplished in his
parallel business career where he held a series of demanding jobs in the
transportation industry. He played an essential role in the introduction
of the 747 airliner into commercial service with American Airlines;
served as CFO of a Hertz trucking company in Europe; as Vice President
and Treasurer of Holland America Lines; and in liquidating, as a
Trustee, a failed common carrier. General Flanagan held an MBA from
Boston College, is a graduate of the National Defense University and a
Distinguished Graduate of the Air War College. He was an accomplished
author and sought-after military commentator. His seminal work, “Vietnam
above the Treetops”, chronicled his exploits as Forward Air Controller
in combat and was a Military Book Club main selection. His radio and TV
interviews on military affairs have been featured on broadcast networks.
Upon moving permanently into his Cape Cod summer home in Falmouth, John
served as a Professor of Transportation and Logistics at Massachusetts
Maritime Academy. He reveled in this job because it allowed him to share
the importance of duty, integrity and commitment with the midshipmen he
was instructing. John always emphasized the importance of community
service and involvement as well as the virtue of giving back to society.
He twice ran for Congress in New York; he has been a major financial
benefactor of the Air Force Academy; and has generously donated his time
and effort to Otis-related community service activities; the Wounded
Warrior Foundation, as well as serving as the Chairman of the Falmouth
Transportation Commission. An avid golfer, he organized the first and
now annual TGC for the Troops charity golf tournament at his beloved
home course, The Golf Club of Cape Cod in Falmouth. John has skied the
Alps; soared the Rockies; surfed the Pacific; golfed in Bermuda; and
parachuted into the South China Sea- feats most people only read about.
But he never lost sight of the importance of nurturing and protecting
his family and friends. In this vein he will be remembered for his
bright blue eyes, his wry Irish smile and his open extended hand to
those he felt he could help. John made all who knew him better and his
memory will long endure. John is survived by his wife, Mari Jo Flanagan
of Falmouth; his daughters Regina Flanagan of San Francisco, CA and
Monica Flanagan Dapolito of Patterson, New York; his stepson, Lt.
Colonel Nathan Scopac of Alexandria, VA; and his grandchildren, James
Dysart and Noah and Olivia Scopac.

Gil Apodaca, SOA #88,
passed away on October 12, 2012. As he requested, he was in the presence of
his family and close friends and at his home in Oceanside in the hour of
his passing. He left the earth quietly and peacefully. A career military
man and special operations soldier (Green Beret), the sergeant was
finally overwhelmed by AML (acute myeloid leukemia) -a cancer of the
blood. The disease rapidly advanced over a 2-month period to eventually
take his life. This was his third bout with cancer. Guilibaldo was the
second son born to Francisco and Maria Luisa in El Centro, California.
He was raised in the barrio of Carlsbad during WWII. His family included
four brothers and three sisters. Guili attended Pine school in Carlsbad
and Oceanside High School. But while in high school, he was compelled to
serve our country and joined the military. His first military service
was with the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves where he was sent to boot camp in
San Diego. He was released from the Marines shortly after boot camp with
a minority (underage) discharge. In January of 1951 Guili enlisted with
the Army and was sent to basic training in Camp Roberts. He was then
ordered to combat service in Korea. Upon his return from Korea, he was
ordered to Fort Bragg, North Carolina in June of 1952. A year later he
volunteered for airborne service with the 82nd Airborne Division. In
early 1957, He was ordered to Germany and spent 3 years with the 3rd
Army--Armored Field Artillery stationed in Budiegen. In 1960, he
returned from Germany to Fort Bragg, North Carolina and was reassigned
to the 82nd Airborne Division. In July 1962, Sergeant Apodaca
volunteered for the Army Special Forces group, which gained prominence
and presidential support as a tactical guerrilla force during John
Kennedy’s presidency. He went through rigorous training to earn his
elite warrior status and prestigious “Green Beret”. He was attached to
the 7th Special Forces group in Fort Bragg. Sergeant Apodaca served in
the Viet Nam conflict in 1964 stationed in Pleiku and again in 1968 and
1969 (12mos)—when the conflict was most serious. At this time he was
with the 5th Special Forces Group. The Viet Nam conflict intensified
during this period with the “Tet Offensive” that brought significant
numbers from North Viet Nam to the South. Sergeant Apodaca was stationed
Bhami Tut in the central highlands of South Viet Nam and was attached to
the Special Forces Group’s MAC-SOG. It was not uncommon for this
detachment to venture into Laos and Cambodia for reconnaissance missions
of enemy activities. Later, in this tour Sergeant Apodaca was involved
with prisoner recovery operations operating from Saigon. In between the
Viet Nam tours, Sergeant Apodaca was ordered to Panama, Canal Zone
(1965-1968 and 1969-1971) and served the country with the 8th Special
Forces Group. This service period took him to many Central and South
American countries where he trained foreign military and performed other
clandestine operations for the U.S. government. Sergeant Apodaca retired
from the military in 1971 and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant
(E-8). He closed his career in Fort Bragg North Carolina with the
Special Forces. He returned to California in 1973 and later began a
second career with the City of Vista-Public Works division. He
eventually worked his way to supervisor role starting in the Parks
department and completing his career with Streets maintenance
department. During this period Gil performed a leadership role in the
employee’s union and was involved with union contract negotiations.
Guili (Gil) met the love of his life Hortencia “Tencha” Granados from
Vista while they were both in high school. The year was August 11,1950.
The passion of their romance was so compelling that Tencha joined Gil in
his military life as wife and lifetime partner. They were married in
Yuma, Arizona on August 23rd, 1953. Three children were born of this
love, Michael Dennis, Gil Charles, and Cynthia Ann. Gil and Tencha
recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary last August 20th. Gil
valued his family and it was the primary focal point of his life. He
enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren
especially watching their sporting events. In retirement, Gil maintained
relationships with his military comrades. He was involved with Retired
Special Forces Southern California Chapters 12 (Orange County) and 75
(San Diego). He was also an honorary member of the Coachella Valley
Airborne Association. In the end Gil has inspired his family with
leadership and courage and will leave a proud legacy. For those whose
lives he touched, he is remembered for his ability to easily engage
others especially through humor. He is also remembered for his work
ethic, creativity, and his ability to teach others to work and perform
well together as a unit. Recognizing the value of education, one of his
proudest achievements was to assist his granddaughter Felicia in the
pursuit of her bachelor’s degree, which she earned last spring. Gil is
survived by his wife Tencha and three children Michael Apodaca, Gil
Apodaca and Cindy Villalpando; brothers Gus Apodaca, Alfred Apodaca, and
Jerry Apodaca; sisters Mary Hoover and Nancy Ridgeway. His surviving
grandchildren include: Alexander Apodaca, Anthony Villalpando, Mariel
Apodaca, Adam Apodaca Felicia Villalpando, and Andrew Apodaca. Surviving
great grandchildren include: Anthony Villalpando Jr., Jordan Apodaca,
Malia Villalpando, Makayla Villalpando, and Azalea Apodaca.
Daughter-in-laws Rose Apodaca, Stephanie Apodaca, and son-in-law Jaime
Villalpando also survive him. He is further survived by a large extended
family of nieces, nephews, grand and great grand nieces and nephews.
Preceding Gil in death are his beloved mother Maria Luisa Apodaca,
father Francisco Apodaca, uncle Phillip Cabrera, sister Jenny Abdulla,
brother Gilbert Apodaca, sister-in-law Clairie Apodaca, nephew Ronnie
Apodaca, and great grandson Austin Villalpando.

Maurice T. "Red" Davis, SOA # 2160,
passed away October 11, 2012 at the age of 81. Because of his red hair, he
was known to his friends as “Red”. Red was born in Red Bluff, California
on September 20, 1931. Red was the oldest of four brothers and one
sister. He grew up in Northern California and moved to Oregon in 1977.
Red received an Associate’s Degree from Shasta College in Redding,
California. Red entered into the California Army National Guard in 1950
and spent ten years in the Guard and Army Reserve before entering the
Active Army in 1960. Red served ten years in the Active Army including
three tours in Viet Nam. He retired from the Army after 20 years of
combined service at the rank of Major with the U S Army Special Forces
(Green Berets). Red worked as a tractor foreman and later a tour bus
driver. Red learned several languages including Spanish, Tai, laotian,
Korean and Viet-Namese. Red had a strong personality and could be very
charming when he wanted to be. Red would want to be remembered as a
hardworking man, who loved his family and served his country honorably.
Red is survived by his wife Nancy, after 59 years of marriage and six
son’s Trow, Pete, Chris, Jack, Shawn and Jeff. Red also had thirteen
grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Red touched many people in
his life and he will be missed.

Thomas S. Myerchin, SOA #2872,
COL, US Army (Ret), Family man, scholar, soldier, and hero...died
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 in Goodlettsville, TN. This gracious, caring and
generous man was guided throughout his life by a strong and abiding
faith. Col. Myerchin, U. S. Army retired, served his country
courageously for thirty-one years in the Special Forces; and continued
to serve his fellow soldiers through at least five different volunteer
groups in Middle, Tennessee. Myerchin was the second son of Joe and
Laura Myerchin of Grand Forks, North Dakota. He is survived by his
devoted wife, Barbara LaFollette Myerchin; son and daughter-in-law,
Thomas Schiller Myerchin, Jr. and Cinthya Blanchard of Port St. Lucie,
FL; brothers, John and William Myerchin; sister, Catherine Erickson; and
numerous nieces and nephews who loved and admired him.
Hue V. Tran, SOA #1133,
passed away on April 16, 2012 In Los Angeles County, California.
Jack L. Bonner, SOA #2410,
passed away April 5, 2012.

Rex L. Jaco, SOA #2082,passed away on Jan
28, 2012.
Kenneth E. McMullin, SOA #127,
SGM (Ret), passed away on December 25, 2011. He was born in 1940 in
California. He enlisted in the California Army National Guard on
February 21, 1960, and went on active duty in the U.S. Army as a Combat
Engineer on December 31, 1962, serving until December 14, 1965. SP5
McMullin served in the U.S. Army Reserve from December 15, 1965, until
returning to active duty on January 31, 1966. His next assignment was as
a Demolition Specialist with Company E, 7th Special Forces Group at Fort
Bragg, North Carolina, from April to December 1966, followed by service
as a Demolition Sergeant with Company B, 5th Special Forces Group in
South Vietnam from December 1966 to October 1967. Sgt McMullin served as
an Operations Sergeant with the 5th Special Forces Group in South
Vietnam from October 1967 to September 1969, and then as an Intelligence
Sergeant with the 46th Special Forces Company in Thailand from September
1968 to October 1969. His next assignment was as an Operations and
Intelligence Sergeant with the 6th SpecialForces Group at Fort Bragg from October 1969 to January 1970, followed
by service with Company C, U.S. Army Special Forces Training Group at
Fort Bragg from January 1970 to March 1971. During this time, SSG
McMullin served on Action Element #2 with the Blueboy Assault Group
during the Son Tay Raid, a clandestine mission to rescue American
Prisoners of War in North Vietnam on November 21, 1970. He served as a
Reconnaissance Team Leader and Airborne Controller with the U.S. Army
Vietnam Training Advisory Group in South Vietnam from March 1971 to
February 1972, and then served as an Intelligence NCO and Training NCO with the 46th Special Forces
Company and the U.S. Army Special Forces Training Group in Thailand from
February 1972 to March 1973. His next assignment was as the Senior
Special Forces Instructor with the Special Forces Detachment at the U.S.
Army Institute for Military Assistance at Fort Bragg from April 1973 to
March 1975, followed by service as Operations Sergeant and then
Assistant Chief Operations NCO with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort
Bragg from March 1975 to November 1976. MSG McMullin served as an
Operations Sergeant with Company A, 3rd Battalion of the 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg from December
1976 to August 1982, and then as Operations and Training NCO with
Headquarters Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg from August
1982 to September 1984. His next assignment was as Detachment Sergeant
Major and then Company Sergeant Major with Company A, 3rd Battalion of
the 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Davis, Panama, from September 1984
to December 1989, followed by service as Company Sergeant Major with
Company B, 1st Battalion of the 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg
from January 1990 to January 1991. His final assignment was as Battalion Command Sergeant
Major with 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg
from January 1991 until his retirement from the Army on November 1,
1992.

Vernon Fredrick "Fred" Winters, SOA #386,
of Port Charlotte, FL passed away December 6, 2011. Born Sept. 3, 1946, in
Akron, Ohio, to Vernon and Harriet Winters. he lived all over the world
as his father spent a lifetime serving in the Army. Winters himself
served 27 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He was a decorated
veteran with honors including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, four
Bronze Stars, including one with valor, and two Purple Hearts. He also
held a master's degree in marketing. Fred spent his last years as a
fishing guide and professional angler in the IFA, FLW and ESPN Redfish
Cup.
Carl (Ed) Evanhoe, SOA #1069,
formerly of Topeka, KS, passed away on October 13, 2011 in Antlers, OK.
He was born April 4, 1932 in Henryetta, OK to Bernard M. (Bob) and Clara
M. Evanhoe. He joined the US Army in late 1949 serving until 1966 and
was a veteran of the Korean War. He had numerous commendations and
awards, most notably the Korean Partisan Honor Medal, awarded to Korean
and American personnel who served with the 8086th and 8240th Army Units
during the Korean War. He was life member of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars and Special Operations Association. After leaving the Army, he
worked in construction until his retirement. Ed was married to Delpia
Turner Evanhoe in 1972. She survives along with his three children from
his first marriage to Kyoko Takata, Charles E. (Chuck) Evanhoe of
Dayton, OH; Mark E. Evanhoe of Topeka, KS; Michiko (Michi) Snell of
Topeka, KS and five grandchildren. His remains were interned at Mt. Hope
Cemetery in Topeka, KS with his parents.

James (Jim) McElroy, SOA # 684,
passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2011. He was born in Norton, VA on
February 25, 1939, the son of the late Lester and Paralee Hill McElroy.
Jim moved to Gate City in 1950. He was a Shoemaker High School graduate
and attended Fork Union Military Academy on a football scholarship
playing for two years and becoming captain in his final year. Upon
graduating from Fork Union Military Academy in 1958, he attended the
University of Mississippi, also on a football scholarship, before
entering the United State Army during the Vietnam War. He became a
paratrooper, a Ranger, and a Green Beret having served with distinction.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother,
Albert Nicholas (Nick) McElroy and nephew, Corey McElroy. He is survived
by his sons, Cortney (Cort) McElroy, Phoenix, AZ and Carter McElroy and
wife, Pam, San Diego, CA; sister, Patsy Durham and husband, Roy, Gate
City, VA; sister-in-law, Nancy B. McElroy, Weber City, VA; fiancée,
Katherine Tignor, Gate City, VA; niece, Christy McElroy Bradshaw and
husband, Taylor, Gate City, VA; nephew, Brent Montgomery and wife,
Kristen; one great niece; 6 great nephews; a step niece and step nephew.

Joseph Son Van Le, SOA #2782,
passed away September 12, 2011. He was born 1948 in North VN. In 1954 his
family moved to South VN in order to escape the communist regime. He
joined SOG in 1967, was trainined at Long Thanh, Kham Duc VN., and was
transferred to FOB #3 Command & Control South (CCS). He became a Spike
Team member of Spike Team Measure. He ran many reconnaissance missions
and was lightly wounded several times. He ran so many missions, he
was a real hero for C&C Detachment, 5th Special Forces (Airborne) in VN.
In April 1972 Son was honorably discharged from Special Forces and went
back to his home in Dalat. After April 1975 when the NVA took over SVN,
Son and his family's lives were threatened by the communist government;
they were hidden and were anxious for their family because he served in
SOG.

Derald R. Bunnell, SOA #1243,passed away Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011.

Allen Terrell "Thom" Thompson III,
SOA #1941, LTC (Ret), age 71, of Blue
Ridge, GA passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2011. He was a member of
Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. Lt. Col. Terrell was the only officer to
have dual command of the Desert and Mountaineering phases of Ranger
School and 5th RTB based at Camp F D Merrell in Dahlonega, GA. He served
three tours in Vietnam as a Green Beret earning three Bronze Stars, one
Silver Star and an Air Medal. He was a Jumpmaster with the 82nd Airborne
and he served with Delta Force, 5th Special Forces Group, 12th Special
Forces Group, 2nd Ranger Battalion, 172nd Brigade. He also served as
Commander of the 32nd Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division and was a
member of the 23rd Infantry Division and the 75th Rangers 5th Battalion.
He was a soldier's soldier. Survivors include his loving wife of 50
years, Virginia Terrell of Macon; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Matt
Nyberg of Lincoln, NE; their daughters, Catherine and Sarah; son and
daughter-in-law, Chip and Dee Dee Terrell of Dawsonville and their
daughters, Morgan and Chelsea.

Donald J. "Corky" Shelton, SOA #2237,
MSG (Ret), passed away July 31,
2011 at the age of 65. He served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Special
Forces with numerous decorations, medals, and citations. He was a
Vietnam veteran. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Maurice L. Brakeman, SOA #1408,
MSG (Ret), passed away June 28, 2011 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Brake enlisted in the Army in 1961 and was assigned as signalman and
radio operator in the 25th Infantry Division. After spending 5 months in
Thailand, Brake volunteered for a three month ‘shotgun’ assignment to
Vietnam as a door gunner out of Pleiku. He saw extensive combat during
this short tour and earned three air medals. He also became acquainted
with Special Forces operations in II Corps and re-enlisted for Airborne
and Special Forces in 1964. After graduating from the SF weapons course,
Brake spent 18 months with the 10th SF Group in Bad Toelz. In January
1966, Brake reported to the 5th SFGA in Vietnam and volunteered for
Project Delta. Brake was wounded, impaled on a punji stake while
inserting on a recon mission, and evacuated to the States. Upon his
recovery he was sent to language school and on to the 8th SF Group in
Panama. His next assignment was with B Co., 75th Rangers at Fort Carson.
From there it was back to Vietnam in January 1970. Brake again
volunteered for another tour with Project Delta and remained with them
until the Project closed down in June. He had the distinction of running
the last recon mission of the Project’s history with Roy Sprouse out of
FOB Mai Loc. After the Project shut down, Brake went to the 5th Mobile
Strike Force, B-55. He remained there for the balance of his tour. After
stints with the 19th Special Forces Group in Missoula and the JCRC
(Joint Casualty Resolution Center) in Thailand, Brake returned to
Vietnam for the fourth time. It, too, was a JCRC assignment that quickly
turned into a planning mission for the evacuation of the civilians
remaining in country. His last task was the gruesome search and recovery
of remains from the evacuation flight of civilians and children from
Saigon that crashed during an emergency return after takeoff. Brake was
again medically evacuated, suffering chemical burns from hydraulic
fluids leaked during the crash. Brake finished his career with
assignments to a refugee camp in Thailand; another tour with the 10th
Group as team sergeant for ODA 7, the SADM team; and a final assignment
as ROTC instructor in Moscow, ID. Maurice Brakeman requested no formal
service and his cremated remains were scattered on the Moyie River in
northern Idaho, close to his home, on 30 June. MSG Brakeman is survived
by brother Errol Brakeman, and children; Traci Jones, Marion “Erik”
Brakeman (CSM) , Tanya Brakeman, and Matthew Brakeman.

Robert R. Brown, SOA #2157, age 78, of Jackson died
Sunday, May 15, 2011 at Leisure Chateau Care Center in Lakewood. Born in Brooklyn,NY, he spent time there and Brockton, MA as a child. When he
joined the service he traveled to Germany, England, Korea,Vietnam and
all over the United States. Bob lived in Lakewood for 24 years before
moving to Jackson 2 years ago. Bob served in the US Army for from
1951-1974 serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a scout
dog handler with the 39th Infantry Platoon in Bien Hoa, Vietnam with his
dog, Budda and received many military medals including a Bronze Star.
Bob was a very talented Pen & Ink artist, and was a guest artist for
Marvel Comics, drawing Conan the Barbarian and The Submariner. Most
recently, he worked as a Housekeeping Supervisor for Deborah Heart &
Lung Center in Browns Mills for 12 years. Bob was a member of the
Vietnam Dog Handler Association and a Life Member of the Special
Operations Association. He was a great husband and lived a full and
colorful life. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Margaret
(nee Coughlin) Brown. He is survived by his wife, Alexa Michel; a
sister, Barbara Sheridan and several nieces and nephews.

John R. Perchard, Jr, SOA #341,
LTC (Ret), passed away on May 09, 2011 at his home in Marston Mills, MA.

George W. Petrie, Jr., SOA #818, MAJ (Ret), passed away on April
15, 2011. He was born on June 21, 1939, in Lenoir, North Carolina. He
enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 23, 1958, and attended basic training
at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After completing Jump School he was
assigned to the 319th Field Artillery Battalion of the 82nd Airborne
Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. From 1959 to 1960, Petrie was
assigned to the 20th Field Artillery Battalion of the 1st Cavalry
Division, and he then served with the 503rd Airborne Infantry Battalion
of the 82nd Airborne until 1961. Sgt Petrie next served as a radio
operator and light weapons specialist with the 5th Special Forces Group
from 1961 to 1963, and he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in
1963. He then served with the 8th Special Forces Group in Panama,
deploying to the Dominican Republic in 1965, followed by another tour in
South Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group from 1967 to 1968.
Petrie then served with the 3rd and the 6th Special Forces Groups,
receiving a direct commission to 1st Lt on January 23, 1970. Lt Petrie
participated in the Son Tay Raid on November 21, 1970, and was the first
person on the ground after the controlled crash landing of his HH-3E. He
again served in Vietnam in 1971 where he participated in various Bright
Light missions to recover POWs. Capt Petrie was assigned to the 5th
Special Forces Group from 1971 to 1973, and served in Southeast Asia
with the Joint Casualty Resolution Center from 1974 to 1975. During this
time, he helped plan the evacuation of Saigon and was on one of the last
helicopters out of the American Embassy. His next assignment was as
Operations Officer for the 35th Infantry Battalion of the 25th Infantry
Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from 1975 to 1976, followed by
service back at the Joint Casualty Resolution Center at Barbers Point,
Hawaii, from 1976 until his retirement from the Army on June 1, 1980.
After retiring from the Army, George worked for Electronic Data Systems
with Ross Perot in Dallas, Texas, and also for various Law Enforcement
agencies in Texas. During this time, he also owned a Private
Investigation and Security Company and was the President of Chapter 31
of the Special Forces Association for 19 years. In 2007, George was
awarded the Gold Order of Saint Philip Neri, the U.S. Army Special
Forces' highest award for his accomplishments in the Special Forces. He
was buried at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas,
on April 27, 2011. His awards include Two Silver Stars, the Legion of
Merit, Two Bronze Stars one with V, Two Purple Hearts.Dennis C. Davis, SOA #451,
a retired hotel management professional, passed away Friday, March 11,
2011. Dennis was born May 12, 1946, in Payson, Utah, to Albert and
LaVerta Davis. After graduating from Spanish Fork High School, he joined
the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam. Dennis then
moved to Las Vegas in 1970 to attend UNLV where he earned his BS degree
in hotel administration. This began a 30 year career in the Las Vegas
hospitality industry where he worked in various hotel management
positions at the Landmark, Aladdin, Maxim, Boomtown, Stardust and
Imperial Palace Hotels

John Throckmorton, Jr, SOA #2762,
68, of Port Charlotte,
Florida died of a massive heart attack on February 17, 2011. He was in
his home in Port Charlotte when he passed. His remains were cremated by
the Southeastern Crematory on 17 March 2011. Jack was born in
Marshfield, Oregon on 24 Dec 1943. His father was John Throckmorton, Sr.
of Richmond, Va. and his mother was Ruth Aid of New Cumberland,
Pennsylvania, both now deceased. Jack is survived by his ex-wife - Jane
Miller of West Palm Beach Florida whom he married in 1983. He is also
survived by his two twins: daughter Amanda, son Ross - both 28 and older
son Miles 34. They all currently reside in the Palm Beach area of
Florida. Jack graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina in 1965.
He joined the Army as a private in 1964. He completed Officer Candidate
School in 1966 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He then was
promoted in rapid succession to 1st Lieutenant, Captain and Major - all
in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps. While in the military, Jack's main
focus was on nuclear Weapons Storage and Planning. Later, Jack served a
tour in Vietnam during 1966-67 and developed a close association with
U.S. Army Special Forces Camps in the III Corps Tactical War Zone. He
directly supported the III Corps Mike Force (Detachment A302, - 3rd Nung
Battalion, Abn.) by participating in their patrols deep in VC and North
Vietnamese Army strongholds. While in several of these firelights, he
assisted in the extraction of a number of Special Forces personnel from
extremely deadly situations. He personally suffered wounds while
assisting the extraction of specified patrol elements - and he saved
lives. His broader mission while in Vietnam was to develop and test
experimental munitions for infantry units. These included enhancements
to the existing "Claymore Mine" and various alternatives for achieving
mass enemy casualties. Finally- at the end of his military career, he
was one of only six commanding officers-Army wide-to command field
nuclear weapons (Supply Ammunition) companies in the U.S. Army. Jack
left the Service in 1971 when he resigned to become more involved in
maritime operations and more importantly - seamanship. In the years
1970's through 2011, Jack crewed on custom sport fishing boats from
Ocean City, Maryland to Key West, Florida and the Bahamas. He obtained a
U.S. Coast Guard Captain's license, and captained for researchers in the
first Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute effort to tag and study the
migration of juvenile Atlantic Blue-fin tuna. He captained sport fishing
boats and motor yachts for various yacht brokers, Fortune 500
corporations and private individuals, both U.S. and foreign. Jack most
often - operated in the waters off Canada, the Atlantic seaboard, the
Gulf of Mexico, the Quintana Roo, Mexico, the entire Bahamas, the Turks
and the Caicos, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, East
Coast of Nicaragua and the Sea of Cortez. He made numerous long range
U.S. and foreign cargo deliveries through Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal
Waterway trips. Jack provided services in the areas of crew management,
safety, logistical planning, communications and negotiation with foreign
officials, and other duties consistent with the prudent and seamanlike operations of sea-going
vessels. He loved the sea and all duties associated with being on the
water! Jack's professional maritime awards were well earned and
publicized. He was recognized by the State of Florida and the National
Maritime Association for Jack also earned kudos for his service in the
Vietnam War. His military awards an decorations include; the National
Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal,
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 dev the Army Commendation
Medal and the Good Conduct Medal (two awards). More recently, he became
an amateur military historian who reconstructed numerous combat events
of unique Special Forces Units, This research provide Army Decorations
Boards with the evidence to identify various Army heroes for eventual
recognition in dispatches. Jack's ashes were spread on the waters off
Port Charlotte on 15 April 2011 where he often sailed while the Captain
of commercial vessels. The remainder of his ashes were spread in the
desert near Las Vegas, Nevada in September 2011.

Dallas Longstreath, SOA #1207,
passed away Tuesday February 8, 2011 at Audie Murphy V.A. Hospital in
San Antonio, Texas. He was a long time member of the Special Operations
Association. I was unaware of the heroic actions of Dallas Longstreath
III since he never spoke of his deeds in Vietnam. It was quite evident
by the number of telephone calls and emails that he had been
instrumental in saving many lives of SOG personnel while acting at
"Covey" for many recon insertions. Dallas was an unpretentious, selfless
and a true "quite Professional". It was a pleasure knowing him for many
years and we will cherish his memory forever. It was my distinct honor
to render the eulogy at his memorial service. I was asked by John S.
(tilt) to read a letter that he wrote about his long time friend; he
wrote, At last year's SOG reunion, I proudly introduced Dallas to my
wife as the man who had saved my life on my last recon mission that I
ran with CCN in April 1970. On that mission, we had a four-man team
inserted into the A Shau Valley. Within a few hours after insertion, we
began to receive fire from a large enemy force that had pinpointed our
location. After we sustained equipment failure, I requested and
extraction for our team. The base commander, flying over the AO at a
"high altitude", refused our request. I then heard Dallas urging him to
pull us out. After refueling, Dallas returned and told us that he had
ordered "slicks" to get us out immediately. In his unique Southern
drawl, I heard Dallas say that he would answer any questions from that
"asshole" concerning his actions on our extraction! All of the aircraft
that worked the target sustained enemy fire as did our team as the
slicks pulled us out on ropes! Dallas epitomized all that is right and
brave about Special Forces men. Dallas put his live on the line many
times saving many recon buddies. May God rest his soul and forever bless
his family. Attending the memorial were George Hunt from Oklahoma and
Jim Graves and his wife from Victoria, Texas. George also eulogized
Dallas and stated that the reason that he was alive was because Dallas
had also saved him on an insertion. I received other similar messages
from his SOG companions praising him for his actions and bravery. I wish
to thanks all the members of our chapter for their outstanding support,
compassion and dignity in providing their assistance to the family. We
will never forget you brother. Your work here on earth is done, go and
rest forever in God's mansion. "you were a good guy, you". Mando (Red
Bird) Canales, President, Green Beret Chapter XV

Eulis A. Presley, SOA #830, SFC
(Ret), passed away Dec 9, 2010. SFC Presley served in the Army from July
1958 to June 1981 and in the Regiment from 1965 to 1981. He served in a
wide variety of positions and made tremendous contributions with the
1st, 5th, and 6th Special Forces Groups, MACVSOG, the Special Warfare
Center, and with 1st SFOD-D. SFC Presley entered Special Forces in 1965
and was assigned to the 6th Special Forces Group (Airborne) upon
completing the Special Forces Qualification Coruse. In 1967 he was
assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) where, as a Staff
Sergeant, he was the Company Commander of Second Company, A-503 Nha
Trang Mike Force. In 1968 he became the Company Commander of 6th
Company, B-55 Nha Trang Mike Force and led his company on numerous
missions supporting beleaguered A Detachments and other Special Forces
units in heavy contact with the enemy in the I, II, and III Corps
Tactical Zones. In 1968 he was reassigned to the 1st Special Forces
Group (Airborne) on Okinawa and was sent in March 1969 on temporary duty
to the MACV SOG Command and Control South in Vietnam as a member of a
Snakebite Team. He was the One Zero of Recon Team Vise and led his team
on a successful operation to capture a North Vietnamese prisoner of war
in Cambodia west of the Fishhook area of Vietnam. He was then
transferred to the MACV SOG Command and Control North (CCN) in May 1969
and was written about in John Plaster’s book SOG. Presley was the One
Zero of RT Kansas when marauding MiGs caused him to abort a North
Vietnam Bright Light mission attempting to reach the Red River Valley.
Every time they entered North Vietnam airspace they had to turn back
because MiG-21s came up to intercept. In June 1969 One Zero Presley’s RT
Kansas was tasked to locate and interdict an NVA POL Pipeline in CCN’s
Target area Oscar Eight. He inserted his team west of Ashau Valley to
hunt along Highway 922. Presley returned to the 1st Special Forces Group
(Airborne) on Okinawa and in January 1970 he volunteered for another PCS
tour of duty in RVN and was assigned to MACVSOG Command and Control
Central (CCC), 5th SFGA. In April 1970 SFC Presley became the One Zero
of RT Washington at CCC. SSG Presley left the Army in 1971 but returned
a year later where he was assigned as an Army Recruiter in the Chicago,
IL, area and encouraged enlistees to become Special Forces Soldiers.
From 1973 to 1977, Presley was assigned as to the Special Forces School
as an Advisor and Instructor to officer and enlisted students in Phase I
and Phase III of the Special Forces Qualification Course. From 1977 to
1979 he was assigned as an Evaluator and Advisor to the Eskimo Scout
program in Alaska where he was of great assistance in providing that
program with reconnaissance and unconventional warfare skills that they
had not previously possessed. In 1979 and until his retirement in 1981,
he was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta.
In that organization, he created innovative intelligence and briefing
techniques that pioneered efforts for what has become the Global War on
Terror. He helped to design the Evasion and Escape kits used on the
fateful attempt to rescue 53 American hostages in Tehran, Iran, in 1980.
Fred Wayne Lawley, SOA #1772, COL
(Ret), passed away Nov. 25, 2010 11 AM at home. I was told that he died
peacefully in his sleep. We have lost another great Special Forces
soldier. As I recall, Wayne served in 5th SFG(A), was the recipient of
the DSC, and was the President of the Special Forces Association for
four (4) years. I remember when he organized, and we supported him, the
“COL Aaron Bank Walk” a few years back. Services will be
at Red Oak Baptist Church 2791 Hwy 290 at 1 PM on Tuesday. The VFW will
host a luncheon after the services.

George M. Yosich, SOA #619,
CSM (Ret), of Lehigh Acres, FL. passed away October 23, 2010 at Gulf
Coast Medical Center. He was born October 3, 1928 in Newark, New Jersey.
Leaving his loving Wife Fior Yosich; five children, Jo Means (Don),
Donna Jean Presley (Will), Tina Price, Michael George Yosich and Liz
Holland (Leo); also two Grandchildren, Travis Holland (Keely) and Ashley
Price; Sister Julie Zubak (Steve); Nephew, Rick Zubak (Lorelie), Sherry
Bean (Robert), Robert Yosich (Renee); cousin, JR Yovannvich (June); two
Grand-nephews and two Grand-nieces. George retired as a Command Sergeant
Mayor of the US Army in Special Forces Green Berets, Airborne for 28
years. He was an "original" member of Special Forces having joined the
10th SFG at Fort Bragg. He also served with the 8240th AU (UNPFK) in
Korea, and was subsequently assigned to the 2d Partisan Infantry
Regiment, Kan Wa Do Island, South Korea. His medals included the Purple
Heart. George was a kind- hearted, easy going, adorable Husband, Father
and friend. He has friends all over the world and continued making more
even to the end. Anyone who got to meet him loved him. He always had a
smile and a hand shake to offer. He was always available to anyone who
needed him. His quote, “there aren’t any strangers, it’s just haven’t
met them yet.” He will forever be in our hearts; family and friends
both, he will continue to in us all, and he has left a mark in all of us
that he has touched. Honorable service will be held at Florida National
Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

Charlie "Cowboy" Bishop, SOA #2570,
passed away Friday, October 8, 2010. Charlie had fought a long battle
with cancer and in the past ten months had been in and out of the
hospital. Mary advised Charlie will be buried at a local Veterans
Cemetery in Muskogee, Oklahoma. No information was available on date and
time of funeral. Mary expressed Charlie's love of Special Forces and his
life time support of our military.
Harold S. Freeman, SOA #1144, Master Chief Petty Officer,
85, a resident of Glen Burnie since 1975, died September 17 2010 due to
cancer. He was born in Great Falls, Mont., at tending Montana State
College where he studied electrical engineering, and also had 18 post
graduate credits from Yale University in Far Eastern Languages. He
served 32 years in the U.S. Navy, taking part in three wars. After his
retirement from the Navy, he became Vice President of E.G. Jones
Associates and managed their firm in Rockville until his retirement in
1986. Master Chief Freeman was highly decorated with over thirty medals
and many citations from the Silver Star, for service during World War II
to Navy Combat Actions to Vietnam's Armed Forces Meritorious with
Crossed Palms for Gallantry. He was authorized the Navy Seal Special
Warfare Breast Insignia along with Naval Parachutist and Naval Air
crewman. His service included over 2000 hours of mission flying in
addition to many jumps and years of extremely hazardous duty in
peacetime and in wartime, starting with UDT teams in World War II. He
served above five submarines performing hazardous missions, as well as a
destroyer and an aircraft carrier. He flew in almost all of the Navy's
aircraft during his 32 years, ranging from ancient PBY's to jet A3
attack bombers to numerous Naval Security Group communication
assignments. He was the Navy's senior enlisted linguist upon retirement
and fluent in Chinese Mandarin, conversational in Cantonese, Russian,
German and other languages. He was considered an expert in Far Eastern
reconnaissance with surface, subsurface and air missions against
worldwide targets. His background living among his Blackfoot Indian
friends in Montana in addition to his training in multiple service
survival schools made him a recognized expert on survival techniques in
the mountains, jungle, arctic, desert, at high altitude and at sea. His
interests after retirement were reading history, computers and weaponry.
He was a life member of the prestigious Special Operations Association,
Fraternal Order of UDT/SEAL Fleet Reserve Annapolis Branch, Disabled
American Veterans Post 13, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 160, China Post
#1 of American Legion, E9 Association of Fort Meade, U.S. Marine Corps
Force Recon Association, and the U.S. Army Special Forces Association.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Audrey Ellen Freeman; three
children, Charlein Petro, Janice Brinson and Harold Ross Freeman; and
two grandchildren, Ross and Marcy Brinson.
Donald Devere, SOA #018, passed at
3:00 AM August 28, 2010. Don was an original member of
Special Forces and was one of the early members of our Association.
Those of us who have served with Don are aware of his professionalism as
a Special Forces Soldier. He was the consummate “Quiet Professional”. In
1966 and 1967 Don served in MACVSOG. Don as the Recon Team Leader or
“One-Zero” of Team Oregon, trained his team to perfection and then led
it into numerous target areas in Laos. Don and Special Forces Soldiers
like him are the legend in the “Legendary” of MACV Studies and
Observations Group operations. Don was not a stranger to the other elite
units in the 5th SFGA. As the First Sergeant of the Project Delta
Reconnaissance Company, Don led by example and kept his finger in the
operational mix. On one operation, his team made contact and required
extraction under duress. When Don’s son, assigned as a gunship pilot in
the 281st Assault Helicopter Company heard that his dad was in trouble,
he flew his gunship out and participated in the extraction of the team.
Don had a panel marker inside his hat and when his son identified it,
Don told his son to shoot everything around the orange dot. Don was a
true “Warrior”. A quiet man, cool under fire and accomplished in all
aspects of the Warrior ethos. His professional demeanor and competence
inspired those around him. He was exactly what you would expect a twenty
year Special Forces “Quiet Professional” and a “Warrior”, to be.
Don’s wife, Mary Ann, sons and daughter were at his side when he passed
to that special place where Warriors gather on the other side.
William O. Hill, Jr., SOA #1206, 86, of Harbor Creek,
Pa., was honorably discharged into the next life on Monday, August 2,
2010, at the VA Hospital in Erie. He was born on November 12, 1923 in
Erie, Pa. to the late William O. Hill, Sr. and Lucy (Owens) Hill. Bill
was a graduate of East High School and volunteered for the U.S. Army
upon the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was initially trained as a combat
engineer at Ft. Belvoir, Va., and also successfully completed engineer
officer training. Bill was then deployed to North Africa where he and
his men successfully fought the famous German "Afrika Korps." Following
combat against Germany, Bill volunteered for a secret mission (code name
Galahad) and unknowingly became a "Merrill's Marauder" in the 5307th
Composite Unit (Provisional), 2nd BN, I & Plt., BCT under Brigadier
General Frank D. Merrill. This special unit was the first U.S. Infantry
unit to fight the Japanese in the China-Burma-India Theatre and Bill
repeatedly distinguished himself in combat. The Merrill's Marauders were
the predecessors to all modern day U.S. Army Rangers and Special
Warfare. Following WW II, Bill returned to the U.S. where he taught
Guerilla Warfare and worked counter-intelligence throughout the U.S. and
Europe during the "denazification" of Germany and start of the Cold War.
As the Korean War broke out, Bill again entered combat as a platoon
leader with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment (Airborne). During
WW II and the Korean War, Bill was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star
(with cluster), three Purple Hearts, two Army Commendation Medals,
American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle
Eastern Campaign Medal (4 Battle Stars), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
(4 Battle Stars), WW II Medal, Army of the Occupation of Germany Medal,
Korean Service Medal (2 Battle Stars), Army Good Conduct Medal, and
Chinese Freedom Medal. Bill was also awarded Master Parachute Wings and
a Combat Infantrymen's Badge (Three Awards), as well as several
Presidential Unit Citations. Following the Korean War, Bill returned to
the U.S. and eventually pursued a successful political career in Erie
County Government. Bill was a progressive leader as a County
Commissioner, serving from 1963-1978. During his tenure, he was
instrumental in the establishment of many county programs, including
GECAC, Erie County MH/MR, Rape Crisis, and the Public Defender's Office.
Bill fought vigorously to stop pollution in Lake Erie and was also the
PA State Fish Commissioner for Region I. He was the President of the
Erie County Prison Board and worked with the World Health Organization
throughout his career. He was a member of the first Erie County Council
and finished his career serving as the Director of Veteran's Affairs.
Bill was adopted by the Seneca Nation of Indians in 1964, and maintained
life memberships in the Burma Star Assn., Combat Infantrymen's Assn.,
U.S. Army Ranger Assn., Special Operations Assn. (SOA), Special Forces
Assn., Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion Carl Neff
Post #571, VFW Post 4789, Chapel of the Four Chaplains, U.S. Army
Counter Intelligence Corps Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, and was
a 32nd Degree Mason. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of over 60
years, Lorraine E. (Alm) Hill; son, Joseph A. Hill; grandson, SSgt.
William J. Hill, U.S. Army; grandson, Joseph A. Hill, Jr.; and
granddaughter, Toni Lynn Hill. Survivors include son, William W. Hill,
and wife, Diane, of Kane, Pa.; daughter, Sue A. Vrenna, and husband,
Jack, of Lawrence Park, Pa.; son, Robert W. Hill, and wife, Ruth, of
Corry, Pa.; son, Roger L. Hill, and wife, Georgia, of Harbor Creek, Pa.;
son, Michael T. Hill, and wife, Debbie, of Harbor Creek, Pa.; 13
grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; as
well as extended family.

Terry Swafford, SOA #2481, Command Sergeant Major Terry
Swafford, 69, passed away July 31, 2010. He was born Nov. 26, 1940 in
Steele, Mo., and was a nine year resident of Nevada. Terry served 27
years in the US Army with 20 years as an Army Special Forces member. His
assignments included tours in Vietnam, Fort Bragg, Fort Benning and Fort
Bliss and as the CSM of Detachment A, in Berlin, Germany. After his
retirement, Terry worked for the Fayetteville, NC Police Department and
the US Embassy in Germany. He was a life member of the Special Forces
Association Chapter 51 and the DAV of Las vegas. His awards included the
Bronze Star with two oak Leaf Clusters, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious
Service Metal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantry Badge, Master
Parachute Badge and the Special Forces Tab. Terry is survived by his
wife of 48 years, Hanneiore; brother, Jerry B.; sisters. Pat Spicer and
Joyce Qualis; and numerous nieces and nephews. Donations can be made to:
Disabled American Veterans Sunrise Mountain #13.
FOREST EARL TODD, SOA #124GL,Passed away June 18, 2010. Earl had suffered a stroke in Nov.
2005 and had been hospitalized since. He was hospitalized at the VA
hospital in Salisbury, NC. Recently he had suffered several heart
attacks and was diagnosed with incurable leukemia. Earl was a member of
the SFA and the SOA #124 GL. Earl served 2 years/7months in Vietnam as a
member of SF. He was a SOG recon team leader and 1st/Sgt of FOB 2. He
received many decorations for his service including: Silver Star; Purple
Heart w/2 OLC; Bronze Star; Air Medal w/OLC; ArCom. w/V; ArCom. w/2OLC;
UN Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; Soldiers Medal; GCM w/ 3 knots:
CIB; EIB; Master Parachutist Badge and several other awards. Earl left
the service on 4 June 1971 with 17 years and 8 months served.

Delbert Taylor Rasmussen,
SOA #2261,
MAJ (USA, Ret), age 69, died on July 20, 2010 following a courageous
battle with Cancer. Major Rasmussen was born in Vernal, Utah on June 18,
1941 to the late Manfred Taylor Rasmussen and Angeline Violet Baldwin.
He served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1980 completing
assignments with several units including two Parachute Infantry
Regiments in the 82nd Airborne Division, 7th Special Forces Group, 5th
Special Forces Group, 24th Infantry Division, and 8th Infantry Division.
While serving in Special Forces, Major Rasmussen completed two and a
half years of combat duty in the Republic of Vietnam working special
projects under the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and
Observations Group. He received numerous awards and decorations
including the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, but he was most
proud of earning the Ranger Tab by completing the U.S. Army Ranger
Course in March of 1961. He also received a Bachelor of Science in
Business from Pembroke State University during his time in the Army.
After retiring from the Army, Major Rasmussen enjoyed a second career as
a Contracting Officer at Hill Air Force in Roy, Utah. He remained a
resident of Roy until his death. Major Rasmussen is survived by his son
and his wife, John and Erinn, Fort Worth, TX; his son and his wife Eric
and Shannon, Fort Bragg, NC; his daughter Kristen, Charleston, SC; four
grandchildren, Heather and her husband Carlos Luis, Camp Lejeune, NC;
Bailey, Ryan and Karsyn, Fort Bragg, NC; two great-grandchildren,
Ethaniel and Xavior Luis, Camp Lejeune, NC; and numerous brothers and
sisters.

RENE D. CARDENAS, SOA #967, CSM (Ret), a member of Chapter 1-18, passed away on June 16,
2010. A 'wake' will be held at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home, 500 Ramsey
St., Fayetteville, NC between 7 - 9 p.m.(Thursday)tomorrow night (June
17). A Mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday (June 18) at St. Ann's
Catholic Church, 365 N. Cool Spring St., Fayetteville, NC (910)
483-3216]. This service will be followed with a Committal Service at
Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Spring Lake, NC at 2:00 p.m. with
full military honors. Father Thomas Malloy will conduct the Mass and
Chaplain Roy F. Hill will conduct the Committal Service. Cards/Letters
may be sent to Rene's family at: Mrs. Irma G. Cardenas, 2422 Cleveland
Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28312-9247. Tele: (10) 321-6050. Another fine
Green Beret has relocated to the ultimate SFOB.

Shephard "Sonny" Hamner Patton, Sr., SOA #1877, age 70, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2010, at
his home surrounded by loved ones. Mr. Patton born in Meridian on April
18, 1940, was the son of the late Florence Dale Hamner Patton and Luther
Raleigh Patton. He graduated from Gulfport High School and was a
Methodist attending Burton, Lyman and Nugent United Methodist Churches.
Mr. Patton retired as a Sergeant Major after serving for over
twenty-four years in the Army and was Master Parachutist, Ranger and
Special Forces qualified. During his career, Sergeant Major Patton ran
numerous Top Secret missions into Laos and Cambodia as a One-Zero team
leader in MACSOG during the Vietnam conflict. Although he was never
wounded during his time there, his death can be directly attributed to
the illnesses that he like so many veterans suffered with after serving
his country. He is survived by a large, loving family consisting of his
wife of thirty-one years, Cynthia (Cindy) Keefer Patton; sons, Shane
Tyler Patton and his wife Crystal of Hattiesburg, Shephard Hamner
Patton, Jr. and his wife Melinda of Vaiden, and Andy R. Patton and his
wife Sandy of Hill City, KS; daughter, Susan Patton Shannon and her
husband Jeff of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Joyce Nicole Patton Simmons of
Saucier, Shephard Hamner Patton, III and his wife Jamie of Houston, Andy
Ray Patton, II of Lizana, and Nickolaus Lee Shannon and Matthew Scott
Shannon of Mesa. He also leaves his brothers, Luther R. "Ronnie" Patton,
II and his wife Janet and Hunter Lowery Patton and his wife Jan, all of
Gulfport; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and
cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the
Shephard H. and Cynthia K. Patton ROTC Scholarship Endowment at the
University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Dr, PO Box 10026,
Hattiesburg, MS 39406.

Leonard Wallach, SOA #1112, BG (Ret) passed away May 30,
2010. He was a highly decorated Army officer who also served as a
director of major running events, including the San Francisco Bay to
Breakers race and the marathon races in the 1984 Olympics. Mr. Wallach
served in three wars and received three Purple Hearts, three Bronze Star
medals for valor and 52 othe rmedals for heroism, outstanding service
and fo rmilitary campaigns. He enlisted in World War II as a private and
was promoted to brigadier general when he retired fromthe Army Reserve
more than 40 years later. Mr. Wallach was a soldier and an athlete - and
later, a director of athletic events, particularly running. Hewas a
varsity swimmer and
gymnast at what was then called San Jose State College and captain of
the Army's marathon team. He competed in swimming in the 1948 Olympics
and was swimming coach for the Army in the 1964 Olympic Games. He
competed in triathlons and ran in over two marathon races. In 1976, when
he was voted San Francisco's Running Man of the Year, he ran over 4,500
miles. Mr. Wallach was a third-generation soldier, born on amilitary
post in Honolulu. He graduated from San Jose State and did graduate work
at theUniversity of Oregon. He joined the Army inWorld War II as an
enlisted man and attended officer candidate school. He served in the
Philippines during that war and then served in the Korean and Vietnam
wars, where he had duty in special operations. He was also a member of
airborne units and had 122 parachute jumps. His Army career spanned over
43 years on active and reserve duty. "He left a legacy of honesty and
integrity," said his widow, Diana Wallach. He is also survived by two
daughters, Lea Sassone of Santa Rosa and Bonnie Stowell of
Washington,D.C.; two sons, Tim Wallach of Amsterdam, and Jeff Wallach of
San Francisco. There are two stepsons, Scott Chronert of Ross, and
Stephen Chronert of Greenwich, Conn.; and seven grandchildren.

Donald M. Palmer, SOA #963, One of
our Australian buddies, passed away on 24 May 2010. Donny served some 25
years in the Australian Army, all with Infantry Battalions. WO1 Palmer
served in Korea at the age of 18. After Korea he served in Malay and
later in Vietnam. Donny served with the 5th SFGA, A-107.Later with
Mobile Advisory Training Team 4 RF Coy and again later with Matt 4 Long
Dien, AN Ngai and Phuoc Tuy. Donny was highly decorated for his time in
Vietnam. Donny retired from the Army as a well respected RSM (Regimental
Sgt. Major) of 5th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, Infantry.
Don is survived by his wife Daph, three children Douglas,David and
Michel and grandchildren. Donny will be missed by all.

HARRY "HEINIE" ADERHOLT, SOA #900,BG (Ret), passed away
away on Thursday morning, 20 May 2010 in his home
surrounded by family, loyal friends and his
devoted caregiver, Jamie Newman. He was born on Jan. 6, 1920, in
Birmingham, Ala., to Forest Aderholt and Katie Banholzer and was
preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Jessie; brothers, Roy
Aderholt and Robert Aderholt; and sister, Cornelia Akin. He is survived
by his wife, Anne; daughter, Janet Lynn Elliott and husband Chaplin Col.
(Ret.) Richard G. Elliott Jr. of Panama City, Fla.; son, George Aderholt
and wife Pat of Navarre, Fla.; one sister, Katherine McDaniel of
Trussville, Ala.; two brothers, Warren Aderholt and his wife Bunny of
Marietta, Ga., and Louis Aderholt of Huntsville, Ala.; grandchildren,
Kevin Richard Elliott and wife Kathy Anderson Elliott, Stacie Lynn
Elliott, Kellie Marie Elliott and Mark Randall Elliott;
great-granddaughter, Annie Lynn Elliott; and several nieces and nephews.
Heinie was one of seven children raised by his widowed mother (his
father died, as a result of an accident, when Heinie was just a boy of
nine), and he learned very early in life many lessons that would shape
his future. Undoubtedly, his mother's influence from her strength,
courage, love and strict discipline, provided him with the solid
foundation that helped him to grow and develop into the remarkable man
he became. Heinie's love of people was obvious and his sincerity and
straight forward, up-front approach encouraged the development of many
life-long friendships. None more enduring than the bond of love, loyalty
and mutual respect that he shared with Maj. Gen. Richard Secord. We wish
to thank his faithful friend, Joseph Caruth, who enabled him to continue
his early morning ritual of working out at Aderholt Fitness Center.
Until his final days he remained close to his brothers and sister and
their families. As recently as late January, he made a trip to
Birmingham, on to Huntsville, then to Atlanta, assuring all he would be
back soon. Gen. Aderholt's 30-plus year military career is legendary.
His status as a leader, his many accomplishments, awards and citations
will be recorded in the annals of military history. His innumerable
friends will remember him as a man of integrity with a loving heart who
inspired and touched so many lives.

Thomas W. Kyle, SOA #2141,passed away on May 18, 2010.

DANIEL P. KELLY JR., SOA #2687,
SFC (Ret), was found dead in his home on the evening of May
13, 2010 from an apparent heart attack. Daniel is survived by his 4
kids; Daniel, Clayton, Sandra , Melissa and his ex-wife Edith. Daniel
Kelly was born in Oswego, NY on April 21, 1939 and was living In
Lawrence, KS when he passed away. I’m not sure of the exact years my
father served in Vietnam, but I do know that in 1967 he received 3
Bronze Stars. He was associated with MACVSOG CCS and Project Omega. He
was stationed at the following posts: Ft Bragg, NC, Ft Richardson, AK,
Ft Gulick, Panama Canal Zone, Ft Devens, MA, Ft Carson, CO and his final
duty assignment was as an ROTC Instructor at Kansas University in
Lawrence, KS where he retired.
WIL
CHARETTE, SOA #1410,Wilfred J.A. Charette born 14
November 1936, passed away 9 May 2010 at his home in Tampa, FL. Wil
Charette, a native of Rhode Island served 11 years of military service
followed by service with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1964
until his retirement on 29 November 1996. His first CIA assignment was
as a paramilitary Staff Officer at CIA Headquarters and its domestic
training facilities. He then served in Laos and Thailand as a
Paramilitary Case Officer, Chief of Operations, and Chief of a Laotian
irregular paramilitary unit for 8 years. Mr. Charette was then assigned
to Ethiopia and Ghana from 1974-1979. In late 1979 Mr. Charette was
posted to Swaziland, as Chief of Station (COS) until 1982 when he was
assigned to Kampala, Uganda, as COS. Following a two-year tour in
Uganda, Mr. Charette attended the US Naval War College in Newport, RI,
where he received a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic
Studies. In 1985, he was appointed Chief, CIA Counter Terrorist Center,
Foreign Liaison Training and Terrorist Incident Response Team (IRT).
From 1992-1994, Mr. Charette served as the Agency’s Deputy Chief, Office
of Field Deployment. His last U.S. Government assignment was that of DCI
Representative at U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill AFB, Tampa,
Florida. Mr. Charette, in post retirement, continued to serve the
intelligence community as a senior advisor to SOCCENT at MacDill AFB.
Mr. Charette served on the board of directors and co-founded the Special
Operation Memorial Foundation, MacDill AFB. Mr. Charette had extensive
military experience, having served domestically and overseas with the
508th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (ARCT), the 101st Airborne
Division, the 1st Calvary Division, and Special Forces. Mr. Charette is
a Charter Member of the US Army Parachute Team (Golden Knights). He was
the first Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Special
Forces Training Group High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) Committee, which
included Fulton Recovery Systems (SKYHOOK) Operations. In 1961, he was
selected to train the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment’s military free
fall cadre at Hereford, England. Mr. Charette was a member of the Joint
Army/USAF HALO Test Team in the early 1960’s that established much of
the HALO training and operations doctrine still in use today. He also
participated in the record breaking 43,500 foot jump to establish a
world record “FAI Class G-II-C, group of nine with delayed fall”. He
received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation in the
HALO Test Program and his subsequent use of HALO insertion techniques.
He is the author of the United States Parachute Association (USPA)
Publication, “Jumping in the Troposphere”, and is the recipient of the
USPA Golden Wings representing 1,000 free fall parachute jumps. Mr.
Charette’s last military assignment was with the 5th Special Forces
Group. During his stellar and distinguished career, Mr. Charette
received the following awards and commendations: (CIA) Donovan Award for
Excellence Career Intelligence Medal for Exceptional Achievement Two Director Of
Central Intelligence awards for exceptional service under conditions of
hazard and hardship Promoted into the Senior Intelligence Service
(SIS-1989) (DOD) Distinguished Flying Cross Secretary of Defense Medal
for Meritorious Civilian Service Wil Charette will be remembered for his
commitment to service, to his country and to his family. He will always
be remembered as a patriot and the epitome of what it means to be a true
American hero. In the words of his brothers and sisters in the
clandestine service “he was a legendary warrior…A legend in own time.
The things he survived, his mentoring, his leadership, and his
unwavering patriotism is and will forever be a flame that goes on
burning, we will never forget him. He was our commander… our General.”

CHARLES A. "CHUCK' RILEY, SOA #1107GL,
LTC USAF (Ret.), age 83 of 23 Hamburg Mtn. Road died Friday, April 30,
2010. Charles was born August 8, 1926 in Sullivan County, Tenn. and was
a career military officer before retiring to Weaverville in the 1970's.
He officer was the son of the late Charles Andrew Riley and Marian Lee
Null Riley. Col. Charles A. Riley, USAF Retired, served with the Navy
Amphibious Forces in the pacific Theater during World War II, (Iwo
Jima), the Army's 82nd Airborne Division after the war. He then
transferred to the US Air Force in 1949 to attend Pilot School. He flew
aerial combat in Korea with the Air Rescue Service, then two tours in
Vietnam in Air Commando Squadrons. He was a Master Parachutist and a
Command pilot. After retiring from the military he worked with
photography and was an alcohol and drug abuse counselor. Surviving are
his wife of 6l years, Vera "Kit" Young Riley; daughters, Sallye Riley
Fox and husband Martin of Fairview and Kathryn Crawford and husband Chip
of Sarasota, Fla.; son, William D. 'Bill" Riley and wife Pat of
Bradenton, Fla.; sister, Ruth Ann Latham of Knoxville, Tenn.;
grandchildren, Sloan Brigman, Kelly Waldrop, and Bridget Riley and great
granddaughter, Haley Brigman.

ROY LEE JOHNSON, SOA #1458,
Died 7
April 2010 at his home in Tampa FL after a courageous battle with
cancer, Roy was in the care of LifePath Hospice and surrounded by
members of his loving family. Mr Johnson was born on January 17, 1932 in
Penn Laird, VA to Melvin and Ruby Good Johnson. Roy was married to
Takeko "Kay" Kasai who preceded Roy's death in August 2008. He is
survived by his two children, John E. Johnson and Jo Ann Babcock, of
Tampa, FL. four sisters and a brother, as well as seven grandchildren
and five great grandchildren. Roy was preceded in death by two brothers
and two sisters. Roy joined the U.S. Army in 1950, and 25 years of
distinguished service retired in 1975. During his military career, Roy
served 22 years in elite airborne units, including 14 years in the U.S.
Army Special Forces. He was a decorated veteran of the Korean and
Vietnam wars, and served in the Dominican Republic as a military advisor
during the Cuban crisis. He was awarded several medals as a result of
his combat tours, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with V, Air
Medal, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon,
Vietnam Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. After Roy's
military retirement he moved to Broadway, VA where he and his wife owned
and operated the Broadway Restaurant and Cleaners for over 16 years.
Memorial services will be held in Broadway, VA. on 17 April 2010.

GERALD “JERRY” WAREING, SOA # 907-GL, Captain, US Army, (Ret),
passed away on February 16, 2010 at his home in Thailand. Jerry was born
on July 19th, 1934 in Yonkers, New York. Jerry entered the Army in 1952
and his first major assignment was with the 77th Special Forces Group.
He participated on “White Star/Hot Foot” while assigned to 7th Special
Forces Group. Jerry brought a “Snake Bite” Team from 1st Special Forces
to MACV-SOG. In 1966 Jerry was the “10” of RT Iowa, FOB-2, MACV-SOG. He
also served in the 10th, 3rd, 5th, 8th Special Forces Groups and 46th
Special Forces Company. He also served with 11th Airborne Division in
Germany. Jerry received a direct commission from General Westmoreland
along with Dick Meadows and Bill Walsh while assigned to MACV-SOG. His
many awards and decorations include the Soldiers Medal, Bronze Star w/V
Device, PUC, MUC, CIB, Medical Badge and Commendation Badge. Upon his
retirement in California, he assisted in training members of the 12th
Special Forces Group in SCUBA. He is survived by his wife, Tasanee of
Thailand.ROBERT L. (BOB) KORCHEK, SOA #246-DD & SFA #D-560L,
LTC (Ret.), a member of Chapter XXXIII, Special Forces Association,
suffered a debilitating stroke in late January and passed away in
Hospice in Spartanburg, SC on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. He was 81 years
old. A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Bob started his military
career by following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and
enlisting in the US Marine Corps at the end of WWII. Demobilized in
1946, he applied for entrance to the United States Military Academy at
West Point, entering the academy in 1947 as a member of the Class of
1951 where he later achieved the distinction of being the class “Goat.”
He initially served in the 511th AIR of the 11th Abn Div, but, along
with most of the Class of ’51, he was immediately shipped to the war in
Korea, serving with the 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Inf Div for 15 months as a
Platoon Leader and Company Commander. Returning to the States, Bob
attended the regular Army schools and then served in the 505th AIR, 82nd
Abn Div for three years as a Bn S-1 and Company Commander. In 1958 Bob
joined Special Forces, serving in the 77th (later the 7th) SFG(A) as an
A Team Leader. While assigned to the 77th, he served his first of two
tours with the WHITE STAR MTT in Laos. He next served in the 1st SFG(A)
for four years as an A Team Leader and on the Group S-3 staff, where he
once again deployed to the WHITE STAR MTT in Laos. Later SF assignments
included one year on the USMACV(SOG) staff; service as an Instructor in
the Officer’s Special Forces Qualification Course; and a year as the S-3
of the 46th SF Co (A) in Thailand. Returning from Thailand, Bob
immediately deployed overseas again: this time to Panama where he served
three years as the Commander of A Company and as the Group Deputy
Commander. While commanding Company A, he earned the nickname “The Rock”
because he was fondly known as a hard, demanding, firm but fair
commander. He carried this nickname with him until he retired from the
Army. His last assignment was to the Special Warfare Center where he
served as the Course Director for the Enlisted Special Forces
Qualification Course. LTC Korchek was the recipient of numerous awards
and decorations for both valor and service. He is survived by his
beloved wife, Annemarie; a daughter, Lori; and four step children: SSG
Thomas P. Cronin, Tina, John and Rheinhart.
PAUL FREDRICK POOLE, SOA
#2550, MSG (Ret.) age 67, of Cabot went to be with his
heavenly father Tuesday, February 2, 2010. He was born May 25, 1942 in
Horatio, Arkansas to Helen Bailey Poole of Cabot and the late Paul
Emerson Poole. Mr. Poole enjoyed training and riding horses. In addition
to his father, he was preceded in death by two sons, Paul and Edward
Poole. Mr. Poole is survived by his wife, Nona Poole of the home, his
mother Helen Bailey Poole of Cabot, a sister Rosalie Petersen (Dr. Rex)
of Neosho, Missouri, one brother David Poole (Carolyn) of Sheridan and
several nieces and nephews.

It is with deep regrets, that the SOA
Board of Officers announces to the membership this list of Non-Members
who have passed away:

Ernest K. Tabata, (Non-Member),
SGM (R), Ernie Tabata, 84, of Fayetteville, NC passed away on 10 August,
2015, at the Univ. of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill. Ernie
joined the Army in 1949 after graduating from high school in Honolulu.
After basic training he went to Ft. Belvoir, VA and became a combat
engineer, demolitions and mine warfare specialist. He went to Korea in
1950 with the 14th Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Calvary Division. He
both constructed and demolished various kinds of bridges during the
Korean War. He left Korea in 1951 as a Staff Sergeant and was
discharged. He re-enlisted in 1955, attended jump school and served with
the 82nd and 11th Airborne Divisions. In 1961 he volunteered for Special
Forces and was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group and became a
Senior Engineer Sergeant. He went to Laos with operation White Star then
returned to Fort Bragg as a Demo Instructor at Training Group. He was
assigned to the 1st SFG on Okinawa. He was seriously wounded while TDY
to Vietnam. After recovery he went to the Taiwan Resident Team where he
helped form the first Nationalist Chinese HALO and SCUBA teams. Then MSG
Tabata volunteered to go back to Vietnam with MACV-SOG Op 34. In 1970 he
was assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Devens, MA as an
ODA Team Sergeant and B Detachment Operations NCO. He was the 1SG of B
Co., 39th Combat Engineer Battalion where he was promoted to Sergeant
Major. He returned to the 7th SFG as a Company SGM where he stayed until
his retirement in 1981. In 1984 Ernie began another 25 year career as an
instructor at the USAJFKSWCS. From then until his retirement in 2013 he
remained on jump status and was making static line jumps with his
students. Ernie was undoubtedly one of the best known and respected
members of the Special Forces community. There is not a Combat Engineer
serving today who has not benefited from Ernie’s vast knowledge and
experience. Among his numerous awards and decorations are the Legion of
Merit, two Bronze Stars (one for Valor), Purple Heart, Combat
Infantryman’s Badge, HALO and SCUBA Badges, Special Forces Tab and
numerous foreign wings and awards. He received the USSOCOM Bull Simons
Award (the first enlisted man to do so) in 2004. He was the JFKSWCS
Instructor of the Year in 1005. He was inducted as a Distinguished
Member of the 1st Special Forces Regiment in 2007 and served as the
Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment from 2010 to 2013. He was
preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by his sons; Ernest,
George and Herbert, brothers; Lawrence and Robert, and two
grandchildren. Standing room only service was held at the JFK Chapel on
21 August with burial in the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.
Dorothy Boyer,
(Non-Member), 92, passed 2 May 2013. Mother of FOB-4 Sgt. Al
Boyer (Spike Team Asp), MIA 28 March 1968 in Laos. Al was also at FOB-1
before moving to FOB-4 in late 1967. Our thoughts are with the family.

Mrs. Gerry Parks,
(Non-Member), ex-wife of CSM (R) Robert 'Spider' Parks
passed away on January 1, 2013,
while residing with her daughter Michelle Warburton and her family in Apollo
Beach, FL.
Joseph Romero "Joe"
Cervantes, (Non-Member), 81, of Asheville, NC went to be
with his Lord on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at his residence. Mr.
Cervantes was a native of San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation and had
resided in Western North Carolina for the past 20 years. He retired from the
U.S. Army where he served in the Special Forces with the rank of Sgt. First
Class and also retired as a Patrolman with the Fayetteville Police
Department with the rank of Sgt. He was a veteran having served during the
Korean War with the U.S. Marine Corp. and the Vietnam War with the U.S.
Army. He was a son of the late Atanasio Servin Cervantes and Saladad
Estebani Morales Cervantes. Surviving are his wife, Carol Rose Winarsky
Cervantes; daughter, Marie C. Smith of Columbia, SC; son, Tracy Cervantes of
Fayetteville; grandsons, Bryant Johnson of Columbia, SC and Tyrone Smith of
Seekonk, MA and 4 great grandchildren.

Donald Monroe Shue,
(Non-Member), SFC, age 20, died in battle during the
Vietnam Conflict on November 3, 1969.
He was born August 29, 1949 in Cabarrus County, NC, the son of the late
Wesley Monroe Shue and Nellie Mae Lefler Shue. He attended A.L. Brown
High School in Kannapolis, NC. Donald entered the U.S. Army in 1967
where he served one tour of duty until his untimely death. His family
fondly remembers his friendly ways, always loving to smile, and the vast
number of friends he easily made throughout his short life. In addition
to his parents he is preceded in death by a sister, Helen B. Blackwelder
and a brother, Billy James Shue who died of diphtheria at age 10. His
sister, Peggy S. Hinson reflected on the following comments about him.
“Donnie would always come to us for money always smiling with his hand
out – Now who come ever turn that down?? If I could only do that again.
The first thing I thought about when they told us they found Donnie’s
remains was: The ‘Lord’ told us that ‘He’ would bring him home – not our
time, but in ‘His’ time. God didn’t say he would be alive or dead ---
But this ‘word of knowledge’ was true and did come to pass after 41
years. Praise the Lord for ‘His’ word never fails!!! And with Donnie’s
Daddy, Mama, Billy, and Helen looking down at all of us at this memorial
in honor of their son and brother. Also in honor of ‘the Green Beret’s,
the MAC V SOG, and all our veterans that paid a huge price for our
freedom.”
Alice Hornung, (Non-Member), wife of SOA
member Ted Hornung, SOA#1181, passed away last year on 17 April 2011.

David Chamizo, (Non-Member),MSG (Ret), passed away March 09, 2011 at the hospital in Tingo
Maria, Peru. He was doing what he loved most since his retirement
working against the narcotraffic and drug production, as an Advisor for
the Eradication of Coca in Peru.

Henryk (Frenchy) Szarek, (Non-Member),
83 years old, of Leominster, formerly of Arlington, died Sunday,
February 27, 2011 in Health Alliance-Leominster. He is survived by his
wife of 55 years Jeannette C. (Levesque) Szarek, his sons Raymond H.
Szarek and his wife Nanita of Newark, NY and Robert J. Szarek of
Leominster, his daughter Christine M. Gamez and her husband Robert of
Burlington, his sisters Christine Mokzan of France and Daniella Jawien
of Poland, 9 grandchildren, Rebecca, Daniel, Timothy, Samantha, Nicole,
Conor, Kelsey, Deborah and Anna, and 6 great grandchildren.
Mr. Szarek was born in Poland on July 22, 1927, son of Mieczyslaw and
Jozefa (Ostrowska) Szarek and had lived in Arlington for 45 years before
moving to Leominster 2 years ago. He had been an Electronic Technician,
working in Research and Development for many years. He was a U.S. Army
Veteran, serving in the Special Forces during the Korean War. Frenchy
was a member of St. Cecilia's Church in Leominster, the American Legion
in Arlington, the V.F.W. in Cambridge and was a life member of the
Special Forces Association Local 54. Many members may remember the 1951
Lodge Act 1 which granted citizenship to foreign nationals who joined
the U.S. Army for a period of 5 years. Frenchy is such a soldier. In
World War II while serving with the Polish-Russian Army he was wearing
the four cornered Polish hat with the Polish Eagle, the emblem of
Poland: acting as a motorcycle messenger Knowing Puhsh-Freneh-German and
Russian he was also used as a linguist. Frenchy was active in the
anti-communist underground, forced to flee through Russian lines to the
French allies. There he joined the French Foreign Legion at the age of
19 and volunteered for the elite paratrooper unit "The I-B-E-P. Frenchy
fought for several years with the legion in indo-China and Vietnam.
After his tour with the Legion he joined the U.S. Army under the Lodge
Act and was assigned to the 10th SFGA. He got his citizenship in 1958. Frenchy could speak five languages and served on
many Black Operations. He appeared in the movie Beau Geste with Telly
Savalas, Guy Stockwell, Doug McClure, and Leslie Nielsen.Lowell Wesley Stevens
Sr.,(Non-Member), 69, of Fayetteville, passed away on
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011. Lowell arrived on this earth as the first
child of a coal mining family on July 8, 1941, in Putney, W.Va. The coal
mining camp of Putney was located at the head of a 16-mile hollow and no
longer exists. He was the son of the late Elmer and Opal Young Stevens.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother,
Larry; and his sister, Jean. He was named after both of his
grandfathers, Lowell H. Stevens and John Wesley Young. Lowell was the
first one in his family to graduate from high school, but had only two
options after doing so; go to work in the coal mines, which had killed
his dad, or join the U.S. military. His father had served as a machine
gunner in Europe during the last stages of World War II with the 376th
Infantry Regiment of the 94th Infantry Division and was immensely proud
of his Combat Infantryman Badge. On July 29, 1959, Lowell entered the
U.S. Army, having enlisted for Airborne unassigned. He graduated from
Jump School in February 1960, and six years later he was a master
parachutist. Later on, he added HALO and HALO Master Wings to his chest.
From December 1959 to May 1963, he was a proud member of the 101st
Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky. In May 1963, he volunteered for
Special Forces training and completed the course with MOS 112 (Heavy
Weapons Infantryman) in November of that year. In November 1963, Lowell
was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) located on
Okinawa and performed the duties of the Heavy Weapons man on
A-Detachments. He served on Detachment A-312 from Company C on a six
month TDY mission to South Vietnam from June to December 1964. From May
to July 1965, he was a squad leader in the Recon Platoon of the 1st
Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In October 1965, Lowell
was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in South
Vietnam. Between this date and August 1972, Lowell completed a total of
71 months with the 5th Group in Vietnam. His duties included serving on
A-Camps, MACV SOG, Mike Force company commander, and instructor at MACV
Recondo School. He served for a total of six years and five months in
Vietnam. After Vietnam, he was assigned once again to the 1st Special
Forces Group (Airborne) on Okinawa for 18 months. In April, he was
assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg.
During the last eight years of his military service, he preformed the
duties of the team sergeant on Operational Detachments. In his opinion,
nothing in the Army was greater or more important than the team sergeant
on an ODA. After retiring from the Army on March 1, 1980, he was an
owner and operator of a new Peterbilt truck, leased to trucking
companies that specialized in hauling steel and machinery until July
1983. During these 3 1/2years, he traveled the continental United Sates
and visited with his rig all but two of our states. He enjoyed seeing
our country from the vantage point afforded him by the cab of his truck.
In July 1983, he started work on Camp Mackall as the range control
representative. He took an intense interest in the history of Mackall
and for more than 27 years, he endeavored all but daily to learn the
rich history of the "home of the Airborne during World War II." He said
many times that his service in Vietnam and his time at Camp Mackall
defined his life and provided a degree of contentment that few men ever
realized. On Sept. 1, 2010, Lowell retired from civil service on Fort
Bragg with more than 47 years of enjoyable service with the federal
government. Although he did not like to enumerate the awards he received
while in the Army, it is customary to do so, so here it goes: Silver
Star Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (six
awards), Purple Heart (two awards), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert
Infantryman Badge and a handful of "I was there" awards. He was most
proud of his Vietnam Campaign Medal, which indicated that he was awarded
16 campaigns out of a total of 17 awarded for the entire Vietnam War. He
is survived by his sister, Frances Stevens James and husband Cecil, of
Thomson, Ga.; his wife of more than 35 years, Emiko; son, Lowell Jr. and
wife Lauri; daughters, Natalie Stevens and husband Bart Palmer and
Cheryl Stevens Mericle; two grandsons, Chance Palmer and Brandon
Stevens; and two granddaughters, Brooke Stevens and Chasity Palmer, all
of Fayetteville. Memorial services will be held at Rogers and Breece
Funeral Home chapel in Fayetteville on Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at 12:30
p.m. Interment will follow at Sandhillls Veterans Cemetery in Spring
Lakes with full military honors. Services entrusted to Rogers and Breece
Funeral Home of Fayetteville.

John W. “Jack” Green,
III, (Non-Member), born 5 Nov 1938, died 11 Dec 2010 in
his native Baton Rouge, Lousianna. Jack is survived by his wife Linda
and a host of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A
Memorial was held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church on 18 Dec 2010. A
private inurnment at Roselawn Memorial Park for family was conducted.
Jack Green was a graduate of ORWAC Class 64-1. CPT Jack Green was a
member of the 145th Airlift Platoon in Vietnam. The 145th was the legacy
unit for the 281st Assault Helicopter Company which arrived in theater
at Nha Trang, RVN in early 1966. Jack, a senior Aircraft Commander and
Operations Officer with the 145th was instrumental in the train-up of
the 281st and its development into the first US Army, Special Operations
Helicopter unit. He worked with members of 5th SFG, B-52, Project Delta
in the implementation of the McGuire Rig for the extraction of Recon
Teams. Jack Green flew the first emergency extraction utilizing the
McGuire Rig in a UH-1B for Project Delta. Among his awards and
decorations are two awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon
release from Active Duty, Jack became a member of the Army National
Guard and served for a few years until business interest caused him to
leave the military. He was a successful contractor in Baton Rouge for
many years and was enjoying his retirement at the time of his death. He
was a member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Mid City Model Rail
Roader and a friend of Bill W. He also served on the board of BRAADC.
Jack was a Founding Life Member and Past President of the 281st AHC
Association, a Life Member of VHPA and the Special Operations
Association. His last mission for the 281st AHC Association was a trip
to Ft Drum, New York where he and other members met with members of G
Co, 2/10 Avn who were about to deploy to Afghanistan. G Company honored
the 281st by reviving the "Intruder" call sign of the 281st to use
during their deployment.

FRED BRADLEY
SCHOOMAKER (“BRAD”), (Non-Member), 88, died peacefully
on June 21, 2010 with family members at his side at the McGraw Center
for Caring (Community Hospice of Northeast Florida), in Jacksonville,
Florida. Following his death, a private family service was held, with
plans for inurnment and a service with full military honors at Arlington
National Cemetery. A native of Three Rivers, MI, Brad Schoomaker
attended Western Michigan and Michigan State College (now MSU) where he
met his future wife, Frances E. Vargha of Detroit, MI. He enlisted in
the U.S. Army in 1942 and completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) two
years later. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery
on June 16, 1944, he began a long and storied military career. His
wartime service to our country took him to Europe in World War II, to
the landing at Inchon and service on the Korean Peninsula during the
Korean War, as well as Saigon during the early stages of the Vietnam
War. Brad and Frances were married in 1943 in Detroit, MI prior to his
deployment for WW II. Even the challenges of repeated wartime service
during WWII , Korea, and Vietnam didn’t prevent them from successfully
raising a family of four boys. In addition to his foreign travels during
wartime service, Brad’s military service took him to: Ft. Sill, OK; the
Canal Zone in Panama; the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at
Ft. Leavenworth, KS; the Army War College in Carlisle, PA; the Pentagon;
and Stuttgart, Germany. Brad completed his 32-year Army career when he
retired in 1974 as a Colonel in the Field Artillery. This was followed
by a second career working for Braddock, Dunn & McDonald (BDM
International) in Fairfax, VA as a nuclear operations analyst, before he
and Fran fully retired in 1986 Following retirement, the couple moved
from Annandale, VA and lived briefly in Advance, NC before finally
settling in Cypress Village in Jacksonville, FL in 1993. Brad’s greatest
joys in recent years were being a volunteer at Mayo Clinic assisting
with the transport of patients, involvement with friends and neighbors
in the community, and traveling to Canada visiting friends and family
along the way. Brad is survived by Frances, his wife of 67 years, his
four sons and their wives, eleven grandchildren and spouses, and five
great grandchildren including: Pete & Cindy Schoomaker [Wendy, Lara (&
MJ Winchester) and Andrew]; Eric & Audrey Schoomaker [Heidi, Kayla &
Evan]; Mark & Jane Schoomaker [Matthew & Peter]; and Paul & Lee
Schoomaker [James (& Julie with Isabel & Brad), Carrie (& John Dolton
with Sophia, Amelia & Ethan) and Sara (& Sean Kelly). Full military
honors and inurnment are planned for Brad at Arlington National
Cemetery, Arlington, VA on Friday, October 29, 2010, at 11:00. In lieu
of any flowers or other gifts, Brad requested that he be memorialized
with donations to: Special Operations Warrior Foundation
(http://www.specialops.org/), or your local hospice organization.

PETE ANDRE, (Non-Member),
COL, SF, USA (Ret.), died 27 June 2010. The specific cause of death is not
known to this writer but Pete had suffered for many years with ever more
debilitating multiple sclerosis (MS). For the last few months he had
been in a number of hospitals, care centers, etc. Pete was of a rare
breed. He discovered Special Forces while it was still new and he was a
lieutenant. He became what he characterized as a "True Believer." Ever
after he self-identified as a Special Forces soldier and officer. His
career spanned the era when a Special Forces assignment was deeply
frowned upon by an officer's parent branch---particularly Pete's branch,
Infantry---and pursuit of a second such assignment was equated to career
suicide. Pete was one of the 'dedicated defiant'; telling branch
managers with well chosen words what he thought, what he wanted and what
they should do. He served in a rich variety of assignments from being an
instructor in early SF officer training to being a member of a small SF
team in that trained the Cuban brigade that invaded Cuba at the ill
starred Bay of Pigs. He served in Laos in the White Star program and in
Vietnam both with Studies and Observation Group (SOG) and as an advisor
to the Korean division. Many older special operations veterans will
remember him from Special Forces' bleak years following Vietnam when
from his Unconventional Warfare position at Readiness Command (REDCOM)
he initiated and executed an effort to identify equipment and techniques
to support Special Forces and SEAL operational missions. Because of the
paucity of assigned assets, the successes of this program were largely
dependent on his abilities to describe, convince, wheedle, and cajole.
His forte was managing to add experimental equipment tests to approved
joint exercises, thereby acquiring needed support. During his twentieth
year of service he discovered he had MS. He determined that he was not
going to let it control his life. By pacing himself and care he managed
to serve an additional nine years before he felt that for the good of
the Army and himself, he should retire. During retirement Pete and
another similarly afflicted officer built an information support net for
military personnel who discovered that they had MS. Typically of Pete,
he would listen to no complaints or 'why me?' but was ready to provide
the best available information, flavored by his experiences. Special
Forces was fortunate in the days before the protection of personnel
specialties, a combat arms branch, and recognition of its value to have
such officers as Pete Andre.

JERRY HOWLAND, (Non-Member), first 1-0 of RT
Hawaii in 1966-67, passed away this morning at 1:45am. Upon retiring he
became the Fayetteville, NC city engineer. The surviving family members
are working on his funeral arrangements. There will be services at
Reeves Funeral Home 3308 N. Main St. Hope Mills, NC 28348 910-424-3700.

RALPH W. "PAPPY" SHELTON, (Non-Member), MAJ. Prior to
OCS Pappy had 10 years enlisted service, making him one of the “old” men
of the group. Pappy came to OCS as an MSG, having served in Germany
(8ID), several stateside posts, Japan (1CAV) and Korea. Pap was in G Co
19th Inf Regt 24th ID during the Korean War’s early fighting. Pap’s
military schools include Inf Car Crs, Special Forces Off Crs,
Unconventional Warfare, Jumpmaster, and Language School (Spanish).
Awards include SS, JSCM, two ACMs w/V and CIB w/Star. Assignments
include Plt Ldr, Co XO and CO and SF Det Cmdr and Operations Officer.
Pappy say the most significant event of his career was heading the
Mobile Training Team—MTT Shelton—from Panama to Bolivia in 1967. He
trained the Ranger Bn that fought Che Cuevara’s guerrilla band, defeated
the band and captured Che on 8 October 1967. Another significant
assignment was with the White Star MTT in Laos, January-July 1962,
another secret action at the time. Pappy retired from the Army in August
1968. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Memphis State in 1977 and his
master’s degree there in 1980. His major employment since retiring from
the military in 1968 has been as JROTC instructor for Memphis city
schools and as training officer for the U.S. Office of Personnel Mgmt.
Pap and his first wife, Margaret, had one son and four daughters. He and
Susan, a lawyer, were married in August 1974. He retired the second time
2 May 1994.
RICHARD E. JENKINS, (Non-Member), SSG, Former SOG Recon
member, passed away March 13, 2010. Richard “Big Jenks” was a member of
RT Iowa, Jerry Wareing 10, in 1966 in FOB 2, Kontum. Later, toward the
end of his tour, he moved to Kham Duc with Jerry Howland and Snuffy
Conroy to establish a training program for Nungs recruited for the
Hatchet Forces. He left the Army to return to civilian life and was not
a member of the SOA. Jenkins last rank held was SSG E-6. Originally from
Maine, Big Jenks lived in Vancouver, WA at the time of his passing. He
is survived by a daughter, Deborah Brooks.